The Coolidge Effect
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Male (and some female) animals exhibit renewed sexual arousal when presented with a new mating partner, even if they were just fatigued with the previous one.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Novelty trap. Not limited to sex, it also explains why consumers always prefer the new over the old, and why job-hopping often yields higher salary increases than internal promotions. Biological instinct rewards 'novelty'. In business, constantly tweaking product packaging or collaborations essentially leverages the Coolidge effect to combat aesthetic fatigue.
Anchor fast decisions
Male animals re-experience sexual arousal when presented with a new mating partner, even if they were just fatigued with the previous one. Biological instinct rewards 'novelty' to expand reproductive opportunities.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/3Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolidge_effectverified
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