Relationships and Sexual Health

Do free-choice marriages actually have more passion? Not necessarily. A new study examining five non-Western cultures found that arranged and free-choice marriages are surprisingly similar regarding levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

A new study reveals that the ability to communicate sexual desires and boundaries strongly predicts relationship satisfaction. While body appreciation boosts confidence, active communication is what truly benefits the partnership.

New research reveals that individuals with "high-K" fitness strategies—those prioritizing long-term stability—are more engaged in their recovery, especially when in satisfying romantic relationships.

A new study published in PLOS Biology finds that penis size influences how men are assessed by others. The research suggests the trait evolved through both female mate choice and male competition to signal dominance.

A new study suggests that single adults engaging in casual sex often report higher sexual satisfaction and a stronger sense of their own desirability. The findings challenge the idea that casual encounters inherently lead to psychological distress.

Psychology researchers have found that frequent pornography use and problematic use represent distinct profiles. The findings show that positive motivations link to healthy sexual regulation, whereas coping motives associate with dysfunction.

A new study suggests that people from harsh childhoods invest more energy in seeking new partners. This "mating effort" is linked to lower satisfaction and higher conflict in adult relationships, independent of attachment style.

Research involving four studies found that men’s value for a large penis relates to threatened masculinity, dominance, and aggression. The findings suggest that feeling inadequate as a man increases the desire for a large penis.

People judge race and gender bias more harshly than attractiveness bias, but not because they approve of "lookism." A new study reveals we simply fail to notice attractiveness bias, whereas other prejudices are easily spotted.

Research suggests men misinterpret friendliness as sexual interest when they are aroused. Additionally, men who rate themselves as physically attractive are more prone to this "overperception bias," regardless of the woman's actual behavior.

A longitudinal analysis of British and German youth finds that staying single through the twenties correlates with rising loneliness and falling life satisfaction, widening the gap with partnered peers.

A large new analysis suggests men exhibit far greater exclusivity in their sexual attractions than women. The findings reveal that while men’s desires are highly specific to one gender, women often display more psychological openness toward their non-preferred gender.

A meta-analysis of 27 studies reveals that individuals who struggle to form secure emotional bonds are more likely to exhibit manipulative, Machiavellian personality traits.

New research suggests women prioritize safety when choosing partners. While masculine faces are often preferred, this preference disappears if the face also signals aggression, indicating a “risk-first” approach to mate selection.

New research indicates that men with higher general intelligence are less likely to engage in insults, sexual coercion, or manipulative tactics. The findings suggest cognitive ability may help buffer against aggressive relationship behaviors.