The Harmful Effects of Sexual Intimacy
1. Introduction
Sexual intimacy has been proven to have harmful effects on clients, not only emotionally, but also physically and economically. These harmful effects have been identified in different studies over the years. (Fisher 1992) This paper will explore the harmful effects of sexual intimacy on clients in different aspects of their lives.
2. Sexual Intimacy and marriages
Sexual intimacy destabilizes marriage if one of the partners is involved in sex out of marriage, and marriages eventually break. In addition, children are the main victims when parents’ marriage breaks due to extra-marital affairs. They lose one of their parents and have to live with a single parent who is often overburdened emotionally and financially. As a result, poverty increases in children due to lack of parental care. In addition, unemployment also increases as a result of divorce. (Fisher 1992)
3. Effects on Children
The effects of sexual intimacy on children can be seen in different aspects of their lives. Firstly, it affects their health as they are more prone to sexually transmitted diseases. Secondly, it affects their education as they are often truant from school or perform poorly in exams due to lack of concentration. Thirdly, it affects their social life as they are often excluded from social activities by their peers.Fourthly, it affects their psychological well-being as they often suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Lastly, it affects their future prospects as they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to criminal activities.
4. Poor decisions and Employment
Sexual intimacy can also lead to poor decision-making which can adversely affect one’s employment prospects. For example, an individual who is addicted to pornography is more likely to be absent from work or be less productive when at work. As a result, this can lead to dismissal from employment or demotion at work. In addition, individuals who engage in sexual affairs are more likely to be unfaithful to their employers and this can lead to loss of job or career opportunities. Furthermore, sexual addiction can lead to financial problems as individuals may spend large amounts of money on pornography or sexual activities which can lead to debt and financial difficulties.
5. Lower grades and Education
Sexual addiction can also lead to lower grades and education achievements as individuals may spend more time on sexual activities than studies. As a result, this can lead to failing grades or dropping out of school altogether. In addition, individuals who are addicted to pornography tend to have distorted views about sex which can lead them to believe that violence and aggression are normal during sex. This can lead them to engage in risky sexual behaviors that can put them at risk of sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies.(Hagan & Foster 2004) As a result, it is clear that sexual addiction can have harmful effects not only on the individual but also on those around them such as family members and friends.(Fisher 1992)
6. Damaged environment
Sexual addiction can also damage the environment as individuals may engage in risky behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol during sex which can lead to littering or pollution.(Eckert & Grothaus 2001) In addition, individuals may also damage property during sex such as furniture or carpets.(Eckert & Grothaus 2001) As a result, it is clear that sexual addiction can have harmful effects not only on the individual but also on the environment.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, sexual addiction can have harmful effects on individuals in different aspects of their lives. These harmful effects can be seen in marriages, employment, education, and the environment. As a result, it is clear that sexual addiction is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.