Coolidge Effect

The Coolidge Effect refers to the phenomenon observed in some animals, where males exhibit renewed sexual interest and vigor upon being presented with a new female, even after showing signs of exhaustion with a previous partner. This effect also works in the reverse, whereby female animals show renewed sexual receptiveness when presented with a new male. In rodents, for example, the renewed willingness to mate can be triggered solely by the scent of a new potential partner, indicating that this is a pheromonal effect rather than one based on visual or other cues.

Andrew Huberman explains that this phenomenon was first highlighted in experiments with chickens and has been well-documented in other animal studies as well. The Coolidge Effect in animals points to the powerful role of novelty in triggering sexual response, likely mediated by changes in brain chemistry like dopamine, which is known to be stimulated by new and novel experiences. The historical anecdote of President Calvin Coolidge, after whom the phenomenon is named, humorously underscores the observation that novelty drives interest and activity.

While discussing the Coolidge Effect in his podcast, Huberman also touches on human parallels, such as the chemical signaling between humans, including effects like synchronizing menstrual cycles among women or emotional reactions to pheromones. However, he notes that the direct application of the Coolidge Effect to humans is more complex due to the sophisticated nature of human relationships and social structures 1 2.