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This Sexual Self

Desire, sexual expression, and you.

Sex
When Is Someone Mentally Ready to Have Sex?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on July 14, 2023

Whether an individual is mentally ready to become sexually active is not an easy answer. There are many questions that need to be reflected on before a final decision is made.

Whether an individual is mentally ready to become sexually active is not an easy answer. There are many questions that need to be reflected on before a final decision is made.

Emotional Abuse
Do Video Games Promote Sexual Harassment?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on June 16, 2023

The unique experience of sexual harassment of female gamers may be explained by sexualized video game content, but it’s not the only factor.

The unique experience of sexual harassment of female gamers may be explained by sexualized video game content, but it’s not the only factor.

Sex
Why People Lie About Sex

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on May 5, 2023

People are not always truthful about sex. The reasons surrounding sexual deceit are varied, complex, and instrumental in informing us about our sexual world.

People are not always truthful about sex. The reasons surrounding sexual deceit are varied, complex, and instrumental in informing us about our sexual world.

Sex
How Women Recover Their Sexuality After Childbirth

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on December 16, 2022

Decreased libido is a common occurrence in the postpartum period. A study reveals strategies postpartum women can adopt to recover their sexuality.

Decreased libido is a common occurrence in the postpartum period. A study reveals strategies postpartum women can adopt to recover their sexuality.

Sex
The Psychology of Sex Toys

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on October 21, 2022

Sex toys may still have a stigma attached to them. They may be a symbol of shame for some. But they have socio-psychological benefits that outweigh any negative labels.

Sex toys may still have a stigma attached to them. They may be a symbol of shame for some. But they have socio-psychological benefits that outweigh any negative labels.

Sex
7 Simple Rules of Sexual Consent

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on September 28, 2022

Consent is essential for a safe, respecting, and caring sexual environment. Here are some basic sexual well-being rules that everyone must understand.

Consent is essential for a safe, respecting, and caring sexual environment. Here are some basic sexual well-being rules that everyone must understand.

Sex
Can Today's Sex Robots Offer a Relationship?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on September 23, 2022

Sex robots are here and available. But do they actually have the capacity to provide what humans actually want and need? Can they ever?

Sex robots are here and available. But do they actually have the capacity to provide what humans actually want and need? Can they ever?

Sex
Why We're Having Less Sex

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on September 16, 2022

Recent studies are finding that there is a decline in sexual frequency. Why are Americans having less sex? Researchers have some suggestions as to why.

Recent studies are finding that there is a decline in sexual frequency. Why are Americans having less sex? Researchers have some suggestions as to why.

Sex
What Are Adolescents Really Looking for in the Sex Talk?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on June 10, 2022

The sex talk between parents and adolescents is often ignored or poorly executed. A new study suggests improvements for this essential form of sexual communication.

The sex talk between parents and adolescents is often ignored or poorly executed. A new study suggests improvements for this essential form of sexual communication.

Orgasm
It’s Time to Reveal Your Fake Orgasm

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on May 31, 2022

Faking orgasm has become embedded in sociosexual scripts. But, pretending to have an orgasm can have detrimental effects on relationship dynamics and your well-being.

Faking orgasm has become embedded in sociosexual scripts. But, pretending to have an orgasm can have detrimental effects on relationship dynamics and your well-being.

Sex
Why Some People Don't Enjoy Oral Sex

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on February 18, 2022

Oral sex has found a more normalized place in sexual scripts today. But some have an aversion to this behavior—either giving, receiving, or both.

Oral sex has found a more normalized place in sexual scripts today. But some have an aversion to this behavior—either giving, receiving, or both.

Play
The Voices in Your Head and Sexual Self-Development

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on January 28, 2022

The dialogues in our heads play a significant role in determining our sexual attitudes and behaviors. New research shows how we use those voices to shape our sexuality.

The dialogues in our heads play a significant role in determining our sexual attitudes and behaviors. New research shows how we use those voices to shape our sexuality.

Identity
The Importance of Emerging Gender and Sexual Identity Labels

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on December 23, 2021

There are many identity labels for individuals to signify their sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Here are reasons not to dismiss such identity labels as unnecessary.

There are many identity labels for individuals to signify their sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Here are reasons not to dismiss such identity labels as unnecessary.

Fantasies
Why People Have Sexual Fantasies They'd Never Act Out

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on November 5, 2021

There are few topics in human sexuality as complex as sexual fantasies. One area to explore is when an individual has no interest in living out their fantasies.

There are few topics in human sexuality as complex as sexual fantasies. One area to explore is when an individual has no interest in living out their fantasies.

Sex
Is Your Dog Ruining Your Sex Life?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on October 8, 2021

Do you allow your dog to be in the same room when you have sex, or do you banish them? There are psychological impacts with either decision that could affect your sexual interlude.

Do you allow your dog to be in the same room when you have sex, or do you banish them? There are psychological impacts with either decision that could affect your sexual interlude.