The second confinement marked a return of libido for the French. Some even take advantage of their telecommuting break to indulge in a few somersaults, according to an Ifop study.
While the libido of the French was at half mast during the first confinement, it seems that the second was much more eventful for couples. According to an Ifop study from December 2020 on "the sexual and emotional life of the French during the second confinement", 34% of people who telecommute with their spouse declared having had sex during their working hours.
A figure that has been revised upwards for certain categories, since it reaches 51% for people under 25, and 35% in the ranks of business leaders, who they, "are generally much more free in the management of their schedule", says the study. Other teleworkers are turning more to solo sex: 17% of those surveyed confided to having masturbated during their working hours, of which 40% were under 30 years old.
Sex to overcome isolation
If at first glance, this increase in sexual activity may seem positive, expert François Kraus explains that the context of declining social relations amplifies this desire. "In a context of generalized psychological wear and tear, this can also be interpreted as the need to fill an emotional gap exacerbated by the scarcity of social relationships", details the person in charge of the gender and sexualities pole of Ifop. He then explains that in times of generalized pessism, sex alone or in pairs can be an element of compensation, helping to decompress in situations of anxiety.
Clearly, the psychological effects of confinement on individuals, such as depression, lower morale, or the fear of losing loved ones or one's job, seems to arouse a general demand for emotional, but also sexual comfort.
Thus, 47% of French people admit to feeling a "lack of tenderness / hugs", compared to 33% in "lack of sex". The figures are clearly higher among people who are isolated, living alone or who telecommute 100% (64% lacking tenderness and 43% lacking sex).
