(O-34) When you come, do you stay? Postsexual experiences and their impact on emotional life within romantic relationships

Abstract Introduction Emotions that arise after sex (referred to as postsexual experiences) may play a key role in the quality of romantic relationships. This study explores how a spectrum of emotional responses, ranging from pleasant to uncomfortable, relates to core aspects of couple dynamics, such as intimacy, love, romance, and commitment (relational climate). Additionally, the study examines how these emotions are linked to sexual functioning and psychological distress in young adults in stable relationships. Materials and Method A total of 129 university students in committed relationships participated in the study. The following validated instruments were applied: the adapted Postsex Experience Scale (P-SES), ECIRA-20 (relational climate), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). Correlational analyses and group comparisons were conducted. Results Positive postsexual emotions such as calmness, emotional connection, and tenderness were associated with higher levels of intimacy, commitment, and healthy sexual functioning. In contrast, feelings of emptiness, disconnection, and sadness were more frequent among those reporting a deteriorated relational climate and elevated psychological distress. Conclusions Postsexual emotions are not a trivial epilogue but rather a key component of intimate emotional life. Understanding their relationship with psychological and relational well-being can enrich clinical interventions, fostering a more comprehensive approach to sexuality and affective bonds in couple relationships.|1. Financing No conflict.