Ever since Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts became interested in sex, psychologists and anthropologists have not stopped investigating human sexuality and that of other animal species. The Coolidge Effect is related to several behavioral patterns: infidelity, the lack of sexual appetite in some couples, the recovery period needed to start a new sexual encounter, or an addiction to pornography. Coolidge Effect
The Curious Origin of the Coolidge Effect
One day US President Calvin Coolige and his wife were visiting an animal farm. At first, the guide showed the animals to the president’s wife. After noticing that chickens and roosters copulated very frequently, the wife told the guide to report this fact to Mr. Coolidge. Coolidge Effect
The guide and the president met again in the area belonging to the chickens. The guide addressed the president and said, “Your wife asked me to remind you of the intense sexual activity of the roosters and hens.” The president responded with a question: “Do roosters always mate with the same hen?” The answer was categorical: “No, Mr. President, the rooster changes the hen”. Coolidge Effect
Before leaving, the president told the guide with a clear message : “Don’t forget to tell my wife when she gets back.”
The president’s anecdote illustrates the sexual behavior of the animal and human worlds
Psychologists, sexologists and zoologists have analyzed the Coolidge effect from various animal and human tests. Some of the conclusions drawn were as follows:
1) males of most species tend towards sexual promiscuity ;
2) both males and females are sexually attracted to individuals who are not part of their natural group;
3) in the case of humans, an individual may manifest sexual apathy with his or her partner, but a strong interest in other people;
4) sexual appetite progressively decreases in monogamous relationships.
The researchers believe that the essence for this type of behavior associated with the Coolidge effect is related to the dopamine produced in the brain structures.
In this way, the levels of this substance descend from the habitual partner and remarkably increase in the presence of a new sexual partner.
Some experts believe that human and animal sexuality cannot be compared.
Although humans and animals share some behavioral patterns, it would be a mistake to assume that human sexuality is explainable on purely biological grounds.
It is undeniable that we have sexual inclinations similar to other species, but humans embody values such as respect and commitment.
