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Women Who Stray

Notes on the history and current practice of female infidelity

Sex
The Ethics of Erotic Videos in Academia

David J. Ley Ph.D. on April 1, 2024

Joseph and Carmen Gow were university leaders. They also made erotic videos. Can people have a public sexuality and still be ethical professionals? This is their side of the story.

Joseph and Carmen Gow were university leaders. They also made erotic videos. Can people have a public sexuality and still be ethical professionals? This is their side of the story.

Sex
Stressed at Work? Have More Sex (at Home)

David J. Ley Ph.D. on February 23, 2024

Using sex to cope with a hard day at work turns out to be surprisingly normal and healthy, not to mention effective.

Using sex to cope with a hard day at work turns out to be surprisingly normal and healthy, not to mention effective.

Sex Addiction
Half of Therapists May Misdiagnose Sex Addiction

David J. Ley Ph.D. on February 5, 2024

The new ICD-11 includes a controversial diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. New research reveals that many therapists may not diagnose this disorder correctly.

The new ICD-11 includes a controversial diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. New research reveals that many therapists may not diagnose this disorder correctly.

Sex
6 Root Causes of Sexual Desire Differences

David J. Ley Ph.D. on December 8, 2023

Mismatched sexual desires bring lots of couples to therapy. But contrary to popular belief, their challenges are usually about more than sexual frequency.

Mismatched sexual desires bring lots of couples to therapy. But contrary to popular belief, their challenges are usually about more than sexual frequency.

Pornography
Do Accessibility and Anonymity Lead to Problematic Porn Use?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

A theory predicted Internet porn would be addictive because it's free, anonymous, and accessible. But problematic usage is more likely to emerge from other, personal factors.

A theory predicted Internet porn would be addictive because it's free, anonymous, and accessible. But problematic usage is more likely to emerge from other, personal factors.

Sex
Masculine Insecurity Predicts Sexual Difficulties

David J. Ley Ph.D. on August 11, 2023

Masculinity and manhood are often seen as more precarious than femininity. Men who hold these beliefs are at risk of sexual dysfunction.

Masculinity and manhood are often seen as more precarious than femininity. Men who hold these beliefs are at risk of sexual dysfunction.

Pornography
Homophobia and Religiosity Drive Struggles with Porn

David J. Ley Ph.D. on July 13, 2023

New research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals perceived as struggling with porn should focus not on the porn but on underlying moral and religious conflicts.

New research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals perceived as struggling with porn should focus not on the porn but on underlying moral and religious conflicts.

Sex
Criminal Charges and Consensual Kink

David J. Ley Ph.D. on June 2, 2023

BDSM and kink behaviors can and have resulted in criminal prosecution and conviction, even when the behaviors were completely consensual.

BDSM and kink behaviors can and have resulted in criminal prosecution and conviction, even when the behaviors were completely consensual.

Sex
Is There a Link Between Animated Pornography and Pedophilia?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on May 10, 2023

Does animated pornography affect sexual development, or reflect sexual interest in children? Research suggests it more likely reflects existing personal characteristics.

Does animated pornography affect sexual development, or reflect sexual interest in children? Research suggests it more likely reflects existing personal characteristics.

Sex
Can Sex Dolls Prevent Criminal Sexual Behavior?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on April 22, 2023

As more laws are passed prohibiting the ownership of child sex dolls, what does research tell us about the owners of these dolls?

As more laws are passed prohibiting the ownership of child sex dolls, what does research tell us about the owners of these dolls?

Sex
Do Sex and Orgasm Impact Athletic Performance?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on March 20, 2023

Jake Paul recently blamed a boxing loss on having a wet dream the night before. Is this plausible? If not, what's really going on?

Jake Paul recently blamed a boxing loss on having a wet dream the night before. Is this plausible? If not, what's really going on?

Sex
How Therapists Can Support Their Sex Worker Clients

David J. Ley Ph.D. on January 30, 2023

Sex workers don't always share their profession with their therapists out of fear of judgment or shame. This is what therapists can do to better support them.

Sex workers don't always share their profession with their therapists out of fear of judgment or shame. This is what therapists can do to better support them.

False Memories
Does EMDR Cause False Memories?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on December 16, 2022

An Italian psychologist went to jail for using EMDR and suggestive techniques to create false memories of abuse. What role did EMDR play?

An Italian psychologist went to jail for using EMDR and suggestive techniques to create false memories of abuse. What role did EMDR play?

Sex
Beware of Creeps Requesting Video Consults

David J. Ley Ph.D. on November 3, 2022

Is this person wanting therapy for sexuality issues, or are they pretending, so they can exploit a therapist who is just trying to help?

Is this person wanting therapy for sexuality issues, or are they pretending, so they can exploit a therapist who is just trying to help?