Relationships and Sexual Health

A new cross-national study reveals that for individuals in BDSM communities, sexual satisfaction is driven primarily by relationship status and how often they practice, rather than the variety or extremity of their sexual behaviors.

Sexual arousal can make you blind to a polite rejection. New psychology research finds that arousal causes people to interpret mixed signals optimistically, only recognizing a partner's disinterest when the rejection is blunt and unmistakable.

Sexual objectification is often blamed on toxic personality traits, but new research suggests a more universal trigger. A recent study provides evidence that temporary states of sexual arousal cause men to objectify women, regardless of their underlying character.

How couples divide chores is linked to women’s sexual desire, but the connection depends on gender role beliefs. New research shows that unequal housework dampens desire for women seeking equal relationships, while traditional beliefs buffer this effect.

A study of university students links watching violent pornography to a higher risk of committing sexual aggression. This association is especially strong among viewers who believe the explicit scenes reflect reality and who have victim-blaming friends.

New research indicates that while going braless is viewed as more attractive, it also leads to perceptions of infidelity, prompting many women to wear bras to avoid unwanted sexual harassment.

Nearly one in five adults have intentionally viewed AI-generated sexual deepfakes, according to new research. The study uncovered a stark gender divide: male viewers often reported amusement or arousal, while women overwhelmingly felt empathy for the victims.

A new study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin shows single men and women view romance differently. These expectations matter: singles expecting strong intimacy are more likely to partner up, while those dreading relationship stress tend to stay single.

A rigorous new psychology study reveals that while feminism helps women critique toxic media messaging, it doesn't always protect them from internalizing those unrealistic ideals when judging their own bodies.

A new study suggests that when teenage daughters use humor during conversations about sex, they tend to experience better sexual well-being. However, a mother's use of humor is actually associated with her daughter being less willing to open up.

A new psychological study finds that people with high levels of psychopathy and Machiavellianism are more likely to approach romance with hostility and use coercive tactics in the bedroom.

Your underlying personality dictates the vividness and frequency of your sexual fantasies. A massive national survey reveals how specific psychological components, from depression to responsibility, guide the erotic scenarios we find most arousing.

Both men and women experience intense jealousy when a romantic partner actively gives resources to a stranger. New research indicates that our emotional alarm systems react much stronger to a partner giving rather than receiving attention.

A recent survey of sexual health in the United States shows a mix of encouraging progress and persistent inequities. The findings suggest that focusing strictly on disease prevention leaves many Americans without fulfilling or safe sex lives.

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that people who endorsed more conservative social attitudes tended to report having more children across a large international sample, suggesting that these attitudes may be linked to contemporary reproductive patterns.