Relationships and Sexual Health

A recent nine-year study found that long-term relationship satisfaction is mainly influenced by an individual’s own personality traits, with neuroticism negatively affecting and conscientiousness positively affecting satisfaction.

Children's difficult temperaments have only a minor effect on forming insecure attachment relationships with parents, refuting the idea that temperament largely determines attachment quality. Secure bonds can still develop despite challenging temperaments.

People expect attractive individuals to be more generous, and in turn, generous behavior makes individuals seem more attractive. This shows a two-way link between attractiveness and prosocial behavior

Right-wing authoritarianism and extreme self-perceived attractiveness (both high and low) are key predictors of hostility towards women, suggesting that political beliefs and personal self-image shape misogynistic attitudes in men.

New research suggests that people with dark traits like narcissism and psychopathy are more likely to seek out romantic partners who share these traits.

A new study suggests sexual desire for a long-term partner increases interest in alternative partners, challenging traditional views of relationship maintenance by showing that desire may not be partner-specific, but instead heightens overall sexual motivation.

Think your partner getting hit on makes them more attractive? Science says think again. New research reveals a surprising twist in how we react when others show interest in our significant other.

A recent study found that the need for closure mediates the relationship between intimate partner violence and traumatic bonding, making victims more likely to stay in abusive relationships. This highlights the psychological barriers to leaving abusive situations.

Research on ambivalence in romantic relationships suggests that mixed feelings toward a partner can lead to both constructive and destructive thoughts and behaviors, highlighting the complex role of ambivalence in shaping relationship dynamics and emotional stability.

A new study sheds light on universal and culturally specific motives for beauty-enhancing behaviors, highlighting gender differences and influences like mate competition, social norms, and religion.

Marriage is associated with increases in sexist attitudes shortly after marriage, particularly in men’s hostile sexism and women’s hostile and benevolent sexism, according to a study published in Sex Roles.

Conspiracy beliefs can directly reduce relationship satisfaction, especially when not shared by both parties, according to new research. The findings highlight how these beliefs strain interpersonal connections, offering new insights into the social consequences of conspiracy thinking.

A new study shows that feeling powerful in romantic relationships increases attraction to alternative partners, driven by higher perceived mate value. This suggests relationship power may diminish commitment, fueling interest in outside opportunities and potential infidelity.

A new study suggests that strong social support helps individuals in consensual non-monogamous relationships counter societal stigma, improving relationship quality and well-being, especially for those who internalize negative societal views on non-monogamy.

Recent neuroimaging research found that different types of love activate distinct brain regions. This suggests that our emotional connections, from pets to nature, are shaped by unique neural pathways.