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This Sexual Self

Desire, sexual expression, and you.

Gaslighting
The Brutal Reality of Sexual Gaslighting

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on September 17, 2021

If sexual gaslighting is an attempt to manipulate reality around a sexual situation, can there be consent? And, without consent, what is the reality of that situation?

If sexual gaslighting is an attempt to manipulate reality around a sexual situation, can there be consent? And, without consent, what is the reality of that situation?

Orgasm
The Psychology and Physiology of “Bad” Orgasms

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on August 27, 2021

Despite socio-sexual scripts claiming otherwise, “bad” orgasms can be experienced in consensual sexual situations. Research provides definitions and explanations for bad orgasms.

Despite socio-sexual scripts claiming otherwise, “bad” orgasms can be experienced in consensual sexual situations. Research provides definitions and explanations for bad orgasms.

CBD
Can CBD Actually Benefit People's Sex Lives?

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on July 30, 2021

The use of CBD to improve sexual health is understudied. Still, some claim it has improved their sexual health, physically and psychologically.

The use of CBD to improve sexual health is understudied. Still, some claim it has improved their sexual health, physically and psychologically.

Sex
The Dangers of Sexual Gaslighting

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

Sexual gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse. What does it look like, and what can you do if you suspect you are being sexually gaslighted?

Sexual gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse. What does it look like, and what can you do if you suspect you are being sexually gaslighted?

Sex
Why Many Women Hide Their Sexual Desires

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on July 16, 2021

Many women still continue to not communicate their sexual desires to their partner. Recent research details some of the reasons why.

Many women still continue to not communicate their sexual desires to their partner. Recent research details some of the reasons why.

Career
The Truth About Masturbating at Work

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on June 25, 2021

Masturbating in the workplace may have physiological and psychological benefits—but it can also carry risks beyond simply being fired if discovered.

Masturbating in the workplace may have physiological and psychological benefits—but it can also carry risks beyond simply being fired if discovered.

Sex
Why Makeup Sex May Not Be All That Great

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on June 4, 2021

Research contradicts media portrayals and socio-sexual scripts that makeup sex is sexually gratifying and a good way to resolve relationship conflict.

Research contradicts media portrayals and socio-sexual scripts that makeup sex is sexually gratifying and a good way to resolve relationship conflict.

Sex
The Truth About Headaches and Sex

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on May 21, 2021

The old cliché suggests that sex and headaches don’t mix. However, research finds that, for some headache sufferers, sexual desire is present and can relieve pain.

The old cliché suggests that sex and headaches don’t mix. However, research finds that, for some headache sufferers, sexual desire is present and can relieve pain.

Play
The Psychology Behind Breath Play

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on May 14, 2021

Why would someone enjoy having their breathing restricted during sexual activity? Research highlights some possible psychological motivations behind "breath play."

Why would someone enjoy having their breathing restricted during sexual activity? Research highlights some possible psychological motivations behind "breath play."

Sex
When Cheating Is Not About Sex

David W. Wahl Ph.D. on May 7, 2021

Infidelity is not always about sex. Here are 15 other reasons that people use to explain why they cheat on their partners.

Infidelity is not always about sex. Here are 15 other reasons that people use to explain why they cheat on their partners.

Play
The Meaning of Tickling

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

Individuals have different internal and external reactions to tickling. Meaning attribution explains the reactions and motives behind tickling.

Individuals have different internal and external reactions to tickling. Meaning attribution explains the reactions and motives behind tickling.

Orgasm
Do Men Fake Orgasms?

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

The conversation surrounding faked orgasms tends to focus on women. But men fake orgasms, too. Research suggests why and how.

The conversation surrounding faked orgasms tends to focus on women. But men fake orgasms, too. Research suggests why and how.