Relationships and Sexual Health

Research in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that for long-term couples, the act of helping isn't enough. To truly strengthen the bond, support must trigger a feedback loop of felt and expressed gratitude.

The prospect of remaining single for years can make people more willing to date someone with a dealbreaker. This new research suggests the simple expectation of being alone can lead individuals to compromise their standards.

A review in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation challenges simple views on alcohol and marriage. Researchers found that while drinking fuels violence, couples with matching habits—even heavy ones—often face lower divorce risks than those with mismatched patterns.

Your mindset about sex may predict your relationship's resilience. A new study links a “growth” belief, which frames sexual satisfaction as a skill, to greater optimism for new couples facing adversity.

New findings in the journal Menopause suggest that masturbation may provide significant relief for sleep disturbances and mood changes. The study reveals that many women rate self-pleasure as a highly effective method for symptom management.

A new Canadian study followed individuals in exclusive relationships for a year to see if having a "crush" caused damage. The results suggest that while attractions to others are common, they rarely doom a committed partnership.

Why do we date people who resemble us? Australian researchers suggest it isn't just social pressure. Their computer simulation shows that heritable traits and preferences naturally lead to "assortative mating" without any outside forces.

New research suggests that young adults who witnessed parental infidelity are more likely to consider cheating themselves. The study also links infidelity intentions to avoidant attachment styles.

A new study suggests that women who prioritize parenting and long-term planning are more likely to rely on others' opinions to judge men, particularly when avoiding potential partners with negative reputations.

Researchers found that women prefer mates who show "growth motivation," meaning a desire to broaden perspectives and develop wisdom. This trait signals maturity and stability, making these men more desirable for long-term commitments.

People who see themselves and their partners as similarly high in desirability tend to report happier, more committed romantic relationships, according to new findings.

Many adults believe their romantic lives would be better if they had received comprehensive sex education. A new survey of nearly 4,000 singles indicates that missing lessons on healthy relationships often leads to lasting interpersonal difficulties.

Contrary to stereotypes, men may actively trade physical attractiveness for status within marriage. Research in Economics & Human Biology indicates that regardless of gender, a spouse typically exercises more and loses weight when their partner’s relative earnings increase.

A new study finds the link between personality and relationship outcomes differs for men and women. The association between extraversion and partnership status, for example, is much stronger for men than for women.

A new study finds satisfaction with singlehood isn't static. For long-term singles, it shifts over time, depending on age, birth cohort, and the desire for a partner.