Articles tagged with Sexuality
Current responses to teenagers sharing sexual images are often fragmented, punitive, and poorly equipped to address evolving threats like sextortion and deepfakes. Researchers propose a new approach called 'safe uncertainty,' which prioritizes restoring safety, dignity, and trust in cases of image-based sexual abuse.
Researchers found that students with lower grades and test scores are overrepresented in male-majority fields, while LGBTQ+ students are underrepresented. The study suggests that social norms and institutional environments may be contributing to these gaps.
The article calls for centering Global South knowledge to broaden the way we think about sexual health research, policy, and practice. Global North frameworks have been criticized for being exclusionary and harmful, while the authors propose a more intersectional approach that incorporates sensory and embodied approaches.
This section explores how recognizing sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural construct can lead to more precise computational models and safer medical technologies. The aim is to foster an equitable and effective biomedical engineering field where technologies meet the needs of all populations.
A new study found that sexual arousal can make people more likely to interpret ambiguous interactions optimistically, even when there is uncertainty. This phenomenon can serve a purpose in early courtship by providing optimism, but also comes with costs as it may overshadow sensitivity to another person's actual wishes.
A clinical trial aims to evaluate whether laser therapy reduces vaginal dryness caused by breast cancer treatment. The study, REVITALIZE, plans to enroll approximately 250 women with a history of breast cancer who experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
A new US sexual health survey finds many Americans report positive experiences in sex and pleasure, yet women and gender-diverse individuals face higher rates of sexual violence and lower pleasure. The study highlights the need for a national sexual health strategy to promote awareness, research, and healthy relationships.
Researchers found women devalue orgasm only when it's consistently absent across partners. This shift in expectations helps soften the effects of not experiencing an orgasm on relationships, but also contributes to the orgasm gap over time.
Dr. Justin Garcia, Kinsey Institute Executive Director, named AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to understanding evolutionary and biocultural foundations of romantic relationships across the lifespan. His work integrates biological, psychological, and social perspectives to examine human intimacy and its impact on public ...
Researchers developed a video modeling program to enhance romantic relationship skills in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that participants significantly improved their decision-making skills across four relationship domains, averaging 76% accuracy after the intervention. The findings high...
A survey by UJI mathematicians found that 69% of the Spanish population considers prostitution a form of violence against women. The study also shows that 79.1% of respondents agree that prostitution puts the dignity of those involved at risk.
Research reveals queer men in relationships are shifting from secretive to open approaches to sex and intimacy while traveling. Participants described 'monogamish' and 'open' relationship arrangements, with clear boundaries and communication crucial for avoiding problems.
A study found that young men want consensual sex but face challenges with verbal implementation, instead relying on embodied and intuitive cues. The researchers suggest a 'grey area' between consent and non-consent exists.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
The 'Desire on the Couch' exhibition examines how sexuality has been measured, medicalized, and experienced over a century. The show features rare archival materials and letters from key figures in the field.
Animal studies reveal complex dynamics of sex, fidelity, and monogamy in various species like wolves, dolphins, and swans. The intimate animal explores the evolutionary roots of human attachment and love.
Dr. Garcia's book delves into the surprising science behind human connection, exploring how technology, social norms and loneliness impact our ability to form meaningful relationships. With warmth and clarity, he reveals the science behind why we crave connection and how intimacy anchors us in the world.
The Kinsey Institute invites researchers to apply for competitive awards providing in-person access to its extensive library and special collections on topics including sex, relationships, gender, and human behavior. Applications are due February 13, 2026.
A new study published by York University found that encouraging couples with young children to plan sex led to increased desire and frequency. The researchers also discovered that planning sex reduced feelings of obligation to have sex, allowing participants to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences.
A new study from the Kinsey Institute reveals that self-pleasure is a valuable care strategy for managing menopause symptoms, particularly mood and sleep changes. Most women surveyed are open to trying masturbation as a symptom management approach.
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched the nation’s first endowed professorship in Sexual & Reproductive Justice, honoring activist Byllye Avery. The professorship will build upon her model of scholar activism and advance teaching, research, and public engagement in SRJ.
A team of researchers and students interviewed 120 former GMHC volunteers, gaining insight into the organization's work at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The project broke rules of traditional oral history by conducting group interviews, which worked surprisingly well due to the intergenerational connection.
A clinical study reveals that masturbation can alleviate menopause symptoms such as fatigue and night sweats. The study, conducted by the Kinsey Institute, found that participants who engaged in self-pleasure reported significant improvements in their overall wellbeing.
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
A survey of 2,000 single U.S. adults found that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are affecting people's sex lives and dating experiences, with men reporting increased libido and confidence. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to report low libido and decreased sexual function.
Women and ethnic minority groups continue to be underrepresented in astronomy and geophysics, with 97% of permanent staff being white. Despite efforts to increase representation, the fields still struggle with low numbers of female professors and senior lecturers, but show some improvement among postdoctoral researchers.
A nationwide study of 1,500 US women aged 40-65 found that most continue to experience orgasm at the same frequency and quality as younger peers. The study suggests promoting masturbation among older women may enhance well-being and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Research found that LGBTQ+ adolescents experiencing violence, bullying, or rejection have trouble falling asleep, whereas those with supportive environments sleep better. Gender minority youth who can use restrooms matching their identity also report less sleep struggle.
Researchers developed an LGBTQ Student Support Index to guide universities in promoting inclusivity and support for sexual and gender minority students. The index features 47 items, including policies, facilities, and student support services, and has been found to exhibit sufficient validity and reliability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that psychedelic experiences can enhance participants' perceptions of their relationship quality, attraction to their current partner, and sexual activities. Additionally, approximately 10% of participants reported influences on their gender identity and expression.
A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.
A recent study published in Nature Reviews examines the complex role of sexual desire in relationships, highlighting its potential to fade over time. The research reveals how desire can be shaped by biological, social, and psychological factors, influencing partnership dynamics and relationship longevity.
Researchers found that the percentage of female students identifying as LGBQ more than doubled between 2015 and 2021, correlating with a rise in suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among females. This trend is not observed among male students, emphasizing the need for targeted support for LGBQ youth.
The Kinsey Institute has acquired groundbreaking research and cultural contributions from Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Dr. Helen Fisher, and Dr. Judith Allen, advancing future scholarship and research on human sexuality and relationships.
The proportion of bisexual residents in Stockholm County has increased from 1.6 to 3.1 per cent over the past decade, driven by younger generations, who are more likely to identify as bisexual than previous generations.
Long-term hormone therapy in transgender individuals leads to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Transgender men experience increased muscle volume and abdominal fat, while women's muscle mass decreases, according to a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
A team of scientists has pinpointed a critical neural circuit for female sexual rejection, revealing how the brain integrates signals to shape behavior. The ventromedial hypothalamus, specifically progesterone-sensitive neurons in the anterior VMH, play a crucial role in determining whether a female accepts or rejects mating attempts.
The CSF-2023 survey, conducted across France and its overseas territories, explores diverse forms of sexuality and sexual health practices. The research provides key indicators to evaluate the country's national sexual health strategy, building on previous surveys' methodologies.
The webinar aims to connect, inspire, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ researchers in microbiology, providing a platform for sharing experiences and challenges. The event will also promote strategies for greater inclusion in research and academia.
A long-term study of over 11,000 German adults found that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships and that the two factors influence each other. The study showed significant correlations over time, with changes in sexual satisfaction leading to changes in self-esteem.
A new study reveals that Florida policies are driving a 'limitation effect' in public schools, restricting access to instruction, books, and supports. Educators and parents report witnessing efforts to censor materials, reduce learning opportunities, and even quit teaching due to state restrictions.
A study reveals that sexual and gender minority adults in the US have a higher risk of developing epilepsy due to unique biological and psychosocial factors. The findings highlight the need for protected access to medical care for this population.
A meta-analysis of North American correspondence studies found that perceived warmth and competence ratings predicted callback differences between identities. Applicants with lower callback rates were often rated as less warm and competent, highlighting the role of social perceptions in hiring bias.
A new commentary in JAMA explains the benefits and barriers of CMS' recommendations to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions into Medicaid applications. The guidance aims to improve health equity by collecting self-reported SOGI data from 88 million adults enrolled in Medicaid, but limitations include non-represe...
A new study reveals that US sexual health curricula are leaving LGBTQ+ students without essential information, leading them to seek advice from unreliable sources. Experts argue that addressing this negligence could be life-saving and urge policymakers to include LGBTQ+ content in curricula.
A new Australian study reveals widespread cyberbullying and sexual harassment in the esports industry, particularly affecting cis-gendered and trans-gendered women players. The study found that professional gamers are exposed to hostile behavior, which affects their mental health.
Hormonally.org provides free-to-access, evidence-based resources on women's hormonal health, empowering women to seek care, treatment, and support. The nonprofit addresses stigmas and misinformation surrounding women's hormonal issues, fostering a supportive online community for connection and shared decision-making.
A significant disparity in mortality rates was observed between lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual female nurses, highlighting the need to address modifiable risks and social forces driving these disparities. The study's findings underscore the importance of promoting inclusive workplaces and addressing LGBTQ+ health inequities.
A recent study investigated how a partner's gender influences women's expectations and pursuit of orgasm, contributing to the long-standing orgasm gap. The research found that dominant sexual scripts shaped by partner gender may contribute to the disparity.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that college students' term 'just talking' refers to building intimacy in a stigmatized environment. The study revealed that romance is more important to emerging adults than expected, and people who engage in 'just talking' often communicate via smartphones and social media.
A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that sexual minority adults are more willing to use digital health tools for screening and tracking compared to heterosexual adults. The study, which analyzed data from a COVID-19 survey, highlights the need for diverse populations to be considered in the developme...
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A Boston University study of over 2,000 cisgender women found that COVID-19 can impair sexual function, with long COVID having a detrimental effect on arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain scores. Women with long COVID had markedly worse sexual well-being, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to address this taboo topic.
A recent study found that young adults' misconceptions about older adults' sexuality are often rooted in ageist views, despite many having permissive attitudes towards sex. The study suggests that promoting a view of sex as a recreational activity can help develop sexual health education programs.
A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...
A large international sample of single women aged 18-67 years was surveyed on their ideal partner characteristics, revealing links between age and preferences. Most attributes were consistently important across ages, but higher age correlated with a preference for confident partners and greater acceptance of younger partners.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 35% of women with breast cancer used self-discovered or peer-recommended techniques to enhance their sexual function. These techniques fell into four main domains: pain reduction, intimacy and relationship enhancement, desire and arousal enhancement, and emotional coping.
A new study by Harvard researchers proposes that social factors, such as gendered variables, may better explain observed sex disparities in adverse drug events. The study highlights the need to consider social and structural differences in individuals' experiences and health outcomes.
A study by Dr Veronica Lamarche discovered that equal consumption was more important than levels of drunkenness in perceiving consensual sex. Hook-ups where one partner is drunker are more likely to be seen as non-consensual, coercive, and dangerous.