Relationships and Sexual Health

A new psychological study of 192 portraits confirms that beauty and attractiveness are not identical. Researchers found that judging an artwork’s beauty involves cognitive processes and structural symmetry, while assessing the subject's attractiveness does not.

A child's genetic likelihood for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with a higher chance of their parents divorcing. The new findings highlight how children might actively shape the life trajectories of their families.

Sharing similar levels of comfort with physical affection is linked to better relationship well-being. A new study reveals that being on the same page about touch matters more in private settings than in public spaces.

Pairing a brief form of couples therapy with MDMA can lead to large improvements in PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction for veterans and their partners, even when only the diagnosed veteran receives the medication.

A recent study reveals that engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships—whether consensually or through infidelity—does not compromise sexual health. In fact, non-monogamous individuals reported similar, or even slightly better, sexual functioning than strictly monogamous people.

People who consider themselves highly desirable romantic partners also tend to report higher overall self-worth. A recent meta-analysis of data from nearly 12,000 individuals confirmed a strong positive association between self-perceived mate value and global self-esteem.

Reminiscing about a past romantic partner might seem like a bad idea for your current love life. A new psychology study reveals that experiencing nostalgia for an ex can actually boost satisfaction in your present relationship.

People who compulsively use dating apps and pornography tend to view romantic love as less existentially meaningful. New research suggests addiction-like engagement with these platforms is linked to a more pragmatic, fleeting view of romance.

A new study suggests that your underlying reasons for wanting a relationship shape the kind of partner you seek. While dating for genuine connection leads to high-quality goals, dating for validation can actually sabotage your romantic success.

Young adults who frequently watch physically violent online pornography report lower empathy, more acceptance of violence against women, and increased difficulties with sexual function, according to a large survey conducted in Spain.

"Single positivity" encourages young women to embrace independence, but this cultural approval comes with an expiration date. A new study reveals that as single women age, they face renewed societal pressure to settle down and find a partner.

Young adults vastly overestimate their likelihood of having children before age 30, but a person's relationship status and physical attractiveness can strongly predict how accurate their family planning expectations will actually be.

Young adults who hold open, favorable views toward specific sexual practices tend to experience higher levels of sexual pleasure, satisfaction, self-esteem, and confidence, suggesting that embracing diverse sexual expression acts as a protective factor for overall well-being.

When asked to design two ideal romantic partners, most people prefer two well-rounded matches. However, differences emerge when people plan to invest their time and resources unequally between relationships, revealing how structure shapes human mating preferences.

A recent analysis of personal testimonies reveals how the cognitive traits associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder shape sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and communication between partners.