Which group experiences the greatest decline in frequency of sex after ten years in a relationship?

Which group experiences the greatest decline in frequency of sex after ten years in a relationship?

• A. gay men
• B. cohabiting heterosexual couples
• C. lesbian women
• D. married heterosexual couples

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that commitment level and relationship stability shape how sexual frequency changes over time. Cohabiting heterosexual couples tend to show the most pronounced drop in sexual activity after ten years because, without the formal commitment and social expectations that marriage provides, these unions often experience more instability and life changes that disrupt intimacy routines. Fewer long-term rituals and less external reinforcement for staying together can contribute to a sharper decline in frequency as years pass. In contrast, married couples usually maintain more stable patterns and routines that help sustain sex over the long term, so the decline is less steep. Given these patterns, cohabiting heterosexual couples are the group with the greatest decline.

The key idea is that commitment level and relationship stability shape how sexual frequency changes over time. Cohabiting heterosexual couples tend to show the most pronounced drop in sexual activity after ten years because, without the formal commitment and social expectations that marriage provides, these unions often experience more instability and life changes that disrupt intimacy routines. Fewer long-term rituals and less external reinforcement for staying together can contribute to a sharper decline in frequency as years pass. In contrast, married couples usually maintain more stable patterns and routines that help sustain sex over the long term, so the decline is less steep. Given these patterns, cohabiting heterosexual couples are the group with the greatest decline.