Researchers at Indiana State University have examined a provocative behavior, revealing that suffocation during sexual activity correlates with signs of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. The study’s findings were summarized in a peer‑reviewed journal focused on sex and relationship therapy, underscoring the importance of mental health context when discussing sexual practices.
The investigation enrolled more than 4,000 participants who reported whether they had experienced choking during intercourse in the past 30 days and in the previous year. In addition, the researchers gathered information about the mental health status of each volunteer during the same periods, allowing for careful comparison between sexual experiences and emotional well‑being.
Results showed that 33% of women and 6% of men described choking at least five times in the given time frames. The act of strangulation or restriction during sex was linked to several mental health indicators, with patterns consistent across genders for loneliness, sadness, and depressive symptoms, while anxiety appeared less commonly tied to such experiences among men. This nuanced picture suggests a complex interplay between sexual behaviors and mental health factors that warrants careful interpretation.
Experts emphasize that safe, informed discussion about sexual practices is essential, particularly given concerns raised about widespread engagement among younger populations in the United States. The researchers advocate for broader education and resources that help individuals understand potential mental health implications, risk awareness, and the importance of consent and communication in intimate settings.
Looking ahead, the study aims to unravel the causal direction behind these associations. Do mental health challenges drive risky sexual practices, or do these practices contribute to shifts in mood and emotional state? The team plans to explore potential underlying mechanisms, including stress responses, coping strategies, and the role of social support networks, to better inform prevention, screening, and counseling efforts across diverse communities in North America.”