Relationships and Sexual Health

Despite common belief that couples must be alike, a review of 339 studies finds little evidence that actual similarity predicts lasting relationship satisfaction.

Individuals with greater childhood trauma experienced and expressed fewer positive emotions—and more negative ones—during sexual disagreements. The link was largely explained by attachment anxiety, a fear-based relationship pattern formed early in life

A recent study highlights how adult webcam platforms can foster body positivity for men. By allowing connections with performers and exposure to diverse body types, the research suggests that these digital spaces can play a role in building confidence and...

How do people end intimate relationships? Researchers have identified 45 ways people break up, grouped into nine tactics and three overarching strategies.

Researchers have identified connections between obsessive thoughts about relationships, emotional closeness, and habits like social media addiction and striving for perfection. The findings highlight risk factors that can deepen doubt and tension in romantic connections, especially when conflict is present.

A new study shows that romantic relationships often begin to unravel one to two years before they officially end. Researchers found a two-phase pattern of decline in satisfaction that could help identify when relationships are heading for a breakup.

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome, a rare condition causing days of fatigue and flu-like symptoms after ejaculation, remains poorly understood. A new review examines the latest research on its causes, mental health effects, and often inconsistent treatment approaches.

Mothers who were maltreated as children are more likely to develop anxious romantic attachment styles, which in turn are linked to lower parenting satisfaction and efficacy, according to a study.

A yearlong study of more than 4,000 U.S. adults found that problematic pornography use tends to persist over time and is strongly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, suggesting a lasting link between porn dysregulation and psychological distress.

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder report worse psychological well-being, social relationships, and living conditions. Their partners also suffer, facing lower quality of life and diminished relationship satisfaction. The study points to the need for couple-centered interventions.

Receptive anal intercourse is more common than often assumed, with about a third of women and a quarter of men reporting experience. A new study highlights shared zones of rectal pleasure and differences in orgasmic potential between genders.

A new meta-analysis reveals that vulnerable narcissism is moderately linked to insecure attachment styles, particularly preoccupied and fearful types. The findings highlight how early emotional experiences may shape narcissistic traits and underscore the importance of supporting healthy childhood development.

New research across three countries suggests that people view attractive individuals, especially women, as more moral—but this effect disappears when liking is accounted for. The findings highlight how emotional responses shape moral character judgments more than appearance alone.

A new study in Sexual and Relationship Therapy found that among the Dark Triad traits, only psychopathy predicts a greater openness to casual sex. Traits associated with empathy and kindness did not show meaningful links once darker traits were considered.

New research highlights that perceptions of financial gain are common in younger people dating older men, but the greatest sexual satisfaction appears in older women partnered with younger men.