Chemistry.com, a subsidiary of Match.com’s parent company IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), announced the results of a study by their chief scientific advisor Dr. Helen Fisher. Her study was able to show a connection between increased sexual activity and successful problem-solving, increased confidence and greater teamwork. While that may all sound like common sense, Dr. Fisher was able to explain the chemistry of the phenomenon.

Here are the results of Dr. Fisher’s study:

  • Problem-solving - When humans have sex, there is a release of the chemical dopamine, and dopamine increases human creativity. Dr. Fisher concludes that those who have more sex would therefore have more creativity, allowing them to come up with new ideas to help them solve problems.
  • Teamwork - After having sex, men and women recieve a chemical boost of oxytocin and vasopressin, these chemicals increase trust, calm, and attachment. With the increased levels of oxytocin and vasopressin, humans having more sex are also more likely to feel cooperative and agreeable, these traits are important in any business environment.
  • Confidence - Human sexual activity also increases testosterone. The testosterone chemical increases competence, self-confidence and well-being. In larger doses, testosterone also triggers feelings of competitiveness, which is an important trait in the workplace.

Dr. Helen Fisher also stated:

“In addition to being great exercise and a stress reliever, sex triggers the release of a number of valuable brain chemicals. From improved problem-solving as a result of heightened dopamine levels, to enhanced teamwork skills due to a flood of oxytocin — there are a number of positive benefits which can improve performance in the workplace.”

The implications of this survey are numerous. Firstly, it gives dating websites such as chemistry.com an impetus, as they can now inform potential customers that there is a financial benefit to having a romantic relationship. Secondly, employers have yet another reason to focus on hiring individuals in a stable romantic relationship. Thirdly,  the chemical explanation behind the long known fact that sexual activity has positive effects on individuals’ working behavior has been revealed.

This was the result of the Doctor’s intensive survey involving 40,000 people. Roughly 56 percent were women and the average age of survey participants was 37 years old.