Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between engaging in sexual activity and stress according to psychological research?

• A. Engaging in sexual activity always increases both physical and emotional complications related to stress.
• B. Engaging in sexual activity can reduce stress levels and promote emotional well-being for many individuals.
• C. Sexual activity has no measurable effect on stress or emotional health.
• D. Sexual activity is only associated with negative physical health outcomes and never affects emotional states.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which is about the relationship between sexual activity and stress according to psychological research.
2. Step 2: Recall that psychological research often examines how behaviors like sexual activity influence both physical and emotional health, including stress levels.
3. Step 3: Consider evidence from studies showing that sexual activity can trigger the release of hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, which are known to reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statements by comparing them to this research: sexual activity is generally linked to stress reduction and emotional benefits rather than always increasing complications or having no effect.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement best supported by psychological research is that engaging in sexual activity can reduce stress levels and promote emotional well-being for many individuals.