In recent years, I’ve noticed what seems to be a growing tendency among many sexuality professionals to suggest that men are responsible for many their own sexual difficulties. The scenario usually goes something like this: a therapist poses a question to colleagues (either online or in person) seeking input on treating a male client who is presenting with an orgasmic issue. The patient is usually described as orgasming too quickly or not at all during partnered sex (i.e., premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation). The first responses usually fall along the lines of: He wouldn’t have this ..read more

In the annals of sex research, there are many unsung heroes whose contributions have shaped our understandings and practices related to sexuality today. Among them stands Dr. June Dobbs Butts, a pioneering figure whose work left an indelible mark on the field of sexology. In fact, Wednesday Martin argued that Dr. Butt’s research held equal significance to that of Masters and Johnson and Alfred Kinsey. She may have been the foremost sex researcher to focus on exploring the sexual experiences of Black Americans, and she also played a pioneering role in bringing sex research into broader public a ..read more

It’s estimated that the average American looking for love online will swipe almost 4,000 times on a dating app before finding a romantic partner. This number is a bit lower for Gen Z (about 3,500 swipes) while it is much higher for Boomers, who are projected to swipe over 6,000 times on average before finding a partner.  All this time swiping on dating apps definitely adds up! Globally, users spend an average of 35 minutes on dating apps daily, but of course, this varies greatly from one individual to the next, with some spending big chunks of their day swiping away. So how does all of th ..read more

Maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling sexual relationship requires effort, communication, and a deep understanding of each other’s needs and desires. Over time, couples often report declines in their level of sexual desire for one another [1] and many seek ways to keep “the spark” or passion alive in their relationships [2]. As discussed in previous posts, one of the big reasons why desire declines is the Coolidge Effect (i.e., an unmet need for sexual novelty). Maintaining desire also has a lot to do with maintaining physical attraction and emotional connection to our partners. But there ..read more

In the history of sex research, the first names to come up are often Sigmund Freud, Alfred Kinsey, or William Masters.  However, history tends to overlook important women and people of color who are just as indispensable to the field.  For example, Virginia Johnson was an equal partner to William Masters in some of the most foundational studies and publications in sex research.  In this article, we would like to highlight the story and work of Virginia Johnson. Early Life: Born in Missouri in 1925, Johnson defied conservative gender and sexuality norms early in her life.  A ..read more

Did preparing for Valentine’s Day feel a little extra stressful this year? If so, you might have social media (and, in particular, TikTok) to blame. For example, among the many trends we’ve recently seen are girlfriends putting their boyfriends up for “sale” if they haven’t been asked to be their Valentine. Even if the videos are lighthearted, it’s easy to see how having a partner complain about you (or shame you) on social media could lead to some relationship strain.  TikTok is notorious for popularizing relationship trends that individuals can use to “test” their own partners or relati ..read more

The third edition of The Psychology of Human Sexuality by Dr. Justin Lehmiller is officially available! This textbook is a comprehensive guide to major theoretical perspectives on human sexuality, and is ideal for use in an undergraduate classroom (although it may also be appropriate for some specialty and advanced seminars; plus, it can be used as a general reference guide for anyone interested in the science of sex!). The content in the new edition reflects some of the most recent research on human sexuality and covers a broad range of topics from a sex-positive perspective. This edition con ..read more

Exciting news: Sex and Psychology is expanding! Join us in extending a warm welcome to Zoe Moscovici, our newest team member. Zoe’s arrival this week marks an important step in advancing our mission to provide you with science-based sex education. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue bringing you evidence-based sexual health information! Zoe is a 3rd year PhD student in Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. Originally from Philadelphia, Zoe is deeply immersed in her roles as a graduate research assistant at the Kinsey Institute and the Editorial Assistant for the Jou ..read more

Emily Nagoski’s new book Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections is set to release on January 30th, 2024. We were able to receive a sneak preview and wanted to highlight some of the unique insights this book has to offer (without giving too much away, of course!).  Come Together may be understood as somewhat of a sequel to Nagoski’s previous New York Times bestseller, Come as You Are. While Come as You Are focused on helping women unlock sexual pleasure through their relationship with sex, Come Together is all about making it so sexual partners can “co ..read more

Sex education in the United States has been a subject of unending controversy for years. Unlike many other developed countries, the US approach to sex education varies widely across states, leading to significant disparities in the information and resources available to students. The debate surrounding what should be taught, when, and how continues to be a hot topic among educators, policymakers, parents, and advocates. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 21 states do not mandate sexual education, and even within the states that do mandate it, the information may not be medically accurate ..read more