Relationships and Sexual Health

A generation raised on smartphones is logging off dating apps in search of real-world romance. But after coming of age online and through a pandemic, many in Gen Z are discovering that making a connection face-to-face is harder than it...

A new study finds that phone use during conversations, known as phubbing, may lead to emotional disconnection in couples. The research suggests that feeling deprived of affection plays a key role in how phubbing affects relationship satisfaction.

Romantic partnerships are central to many lives, but what about those who go without? A major new study explores the well-being of people who have never had sex, finding connections to loneliness, happiness, and surprising environmental and genetic factors.

A new study reveals that people with higher autistic traits perceive facial attractiveness differently. Researchers found a link between these traits and a stronger preference for masculine features in both male and female faces.

Problematic pornography use and repetitive negative thinking appear to reinforce each other, according to new research in The Journal of Sex Research. The study tracked young adults over a year and found distinct patterns in how men and women are...

Researchers have found that post-orgasmic illness syndrome, a poorly understood condition triggered by ejaculation, may cause significant emotional distress and social isolation. The study highlights how patients often feel helpless, blame themselves, and report serious relationship disruptions due to their...

While dating apps are often associated with hookups or relationships, a new study suggests people use them for many reasons, including friendship, curiosity, and emotional support. This new analysis focused on qualitative research often overlooked in large-scale surveys.

An extensive study of over 13,000 women across 144 countries explores the connection between politics and romance. The findings show clear patterns linking a woman's political orientation to her preferences for an ideal partner.

A new study suggests that attractive people are generally liked more—but not when they’re critical of others. Researchers found that verbal negativity can dampen the likability boost typically associated with good looks, both in behavior and neural responses.

Life satisfaction peaks in the year a couple moves in together, a new study confirms. But a closer look reveals a key detail: the most substantial happiness boost for former singles is actually linked to starting the romantic relationship in...

People in interracial relationships reported higher levels of general, cognitive, and emotional jealousy than same-race couples, but these feelings didn’t lead to more controlling behaviors. A strong sense of togetherness buffered jealousy’s impact on satisfaction.

A new study suggests that disclosing sexual likes tends to be associated with greater relationship satisfaction and intimacy, while disclosing dislikes may relate to lower levels of closeness—particularly when partners are not perceived as emotionally responsive.

How do expectations of fairness shape our closest relationships? A new long-term study followed thousands of romantic couples to uncover what happens when partners start keeping track of favors, sacrifices, and emotional investments.

People in interracial long-distance relationships may be more or less attuned to their partner’s emotions depending on their attachment style, according to new research. The findings highlight how attachment anxiety and avoidance shape reflective functioning in diverse romantic contexts.

A person’s sexual history can shape how desirable they seem as a long-term partner. But a new cross-cultural study suggests people aren’t applying different standards to men and women.