Current reporting, research and professional developments across Family & Relationships, curated for psychologists and behavioral-health professionals.
Despite the fact that nearly half of the population worldwide will experience menstruation at least once in their lives, we know surprisingly little about what the effects of menstruation actually are. Even if we are…
A new study shows that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can significantly improve sleep that same night. Researchers found a clear link between diet quality and sleep depth, with participants who met the…
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that PCOS affects up to 13% of women of reproductive…
A major collaboration between UC San Diego and 23andMe identified genes that shape cannabis use behaviors. The study linked the CADM2 and GRM3 genes to cannabis use and connected these patterns to more than 100 traits…
Is your love just getting by or silently standing its ground? Here are three signs you should give your relationship the credit ...
Molly and Peter have been dating for five years and are in a committed and happy relationship. One day, Peter accidentally ...
In this post, we’re going to cover a topic that combines two things we’ve previously covered before on the blog: the rise in sexual choking and relationship content on TikTok. Specifically, we’re going to discuss an…
Researchers have discovered that ADHD’s hallmark mind wandering might actually boost creativity. People who deliberately let their thoughts drift scored higher on creative tests in two large studies. The findings hint…
Researchers have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could repair the nerve damage from multiple sclerosis. These drugs help regenerate the protective myelin sheath and balance immune responses. Licensed by…
Halloween is a time when kink aesthetics (think leather, latex, corsets, and catsuits) frequently slip into public view. People step into roles and outfits that they might not otherwise dare to be seen in at other times…
New research shows that poor sleep could make the brain appear years older than it really is. Using MRI scans and machine learning, scientists found a clear link between unhealthy sleep patterns and accelerated brain…
Historically, women’s health is a subject that has been under-researched. This is especially the case when it comes to women’s reproductive health, which is a space that has both normalized pain and overlooked pleasure…
New studies show that a bacterial molecule, peptidoglycan, is present in the brain and fluctuates with sleep patterns. This challenges the idea that sleep is solely brain-driven, instead suggesting it’s a collaborative…
I work with adults who feel stretched thin—anxious, exhausted, or “high-functioning” on the outside while struggling underneath ...
Pornography has long been a topic of interest of interest and debate among sex researchers. We’ve covered the science of porn many times before on the blog, including what trans and non-binary people’s experiences with…
A sweeping review from NYU Langone Health reveals that everyday exposure to plastics—especially during childhood—poses lasting risks for heart disease, infertility, asthma, and even brain development issues. These…
Alcohol has long been known to act as a “social lubricant,” especially when it comes to the pursuit of sex and relationships. When people drink, they tend to feel less inhibited by social cues and, therefore, may feel…
We are thrilled to announce that the thirteenth annual SPSP Sexuality Pre-Conference will take place in Chicago on Thursday, February 26, 2026! We hope you will join us for this exciting event and invite you to submit…
China's revised marriage registration regulations took effect on May 10. The amended regulations mandate marriage-registration ...
Many have claimed that sex work is the oldest profession in the world (Ditmore, 2011, as cited in Bloomberg et al., 2025); however, it remains a highly controversial and stigmatized career choice. Some people believe…
A hysterectomy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus (and oftentimes the cervix). There are a number of different kinds of hysterectomies, as well as a number of different reasons that someone…
Who was Alfred Kinsey? Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956) began his academic career as an entomologist at Indiana University, where he specialized in studying gall wasps. However, today, he is best known for pioneering research…
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, you may be strong and capable, but you don’t need to go through it alone ...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed in the states of Illinois and Indiana. I am based in Peoria, Illinois and ...
There’s an ongoing debate over what actually counts as cheating. For example, is flirting with someone else a form of infidelity? What about following someone you find attractive on social media? Or how about sharing…
We’ve discussed sexual fantasies on the blog several times before, including the most common fantasies, how fantasies differ across cultures, and to how to share your fantasies with a partner. One topic we haven’t yet…
The technological advances of generative AI have led to an explosive rise in the number of people who use it in their everyday lives. While people use AI for various purposes, we’re increasingly seeing it used as a form…
A groundbreaking study from Flinders University reveals that it's not just making eye contact that matters, but precisely when and how you do it. By studying interactions between humans and virtual partners, researchers…
Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of men’s most common and distressing sex problems. The prevalence rates for PE vary considerably depending on the source, but it is estimated to impact between 30-70% of men at some…
Sometimes, 24 hours just doesn't feel like enough. Between work, commutes, and a growing to-do list, it's easy to get through an ...
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