Talking Apes

How natural selection reprogrammed the brain for language

David Ludden Ph.D.

The Role of Gratitude in Sexual Communal Strength

New research shows that creating an “attitude of gratitude” within an intimate relationship enhances people’s desire to meet their partner’s sexual needs.

Why Do Men Want More Sex Partners Than Women Do?

Across species, males want more sex partners than females. But the so-called "Coolidge effect" in humans has been difficult to test in the lab—until now.

How People Become Atheists

Many psychologists claim that we have an innate tendency toward religion. If so, how do we account for those who have no religious beliefs?

Does Porn Use Lead to Sexual Violence?

New research tests the idea that watching porn can push men who already have hostile attitudes toward women to act out their aggressive desires.

The Psychology of Sexual Regret

The functional view of emotions suggests that the purpose of regret is to teach us life lessons. But new research challenges this notion, especially in the realm of casual sex.

Why You’re Tempted to Cheat

We’re quick to blame the unfaithful spouse, but to understand why the infidelity occurred, we need to look at the larger context of the marriage that led to it.

What Factors Are Related to Intentions to Cheat on a Partner?

Unmet sexual needs drive most cases of infidelity, even for those who believe cheating is morally wrong.

Does Personal Growth Benefit a Relationship?

New research shows how we can experience personal growth as individuals without growing apart from our intimate partner.

When Your Romantic Partner Fails to Meet Your Sexual Ideal

Unmet sexual needs will poison a relationship unless each partner is willing to make sacrifices.

How Older Couples Deal with Differences in Sexual Desire

New research shows how emotional intimacy can bolster sexual satisfaction in senior marriages.

A Quarter of America’s Youth Learns About Sex From Porn

New research exposes the abysmal state of sex education in the United States, leading many emerging adults to learn about sex from porn instead.

Are You Straight, Gay, or Somewhere in Between?

Men who call themselves “mostly straight” challenge our thinking about sexual orientation.

Can You Ever Completely Give Up Your Religion?

New research shows that even when people reject their religion, their attitudes about moral issues are still influenced by early childhood experiences.

What to Do When Porn Use Becomes a Problem

Most people know how to use pornography in a responsible manner. But for those who develop problematic porn use, abstinence may be the answer.

Why Some Men Pay for Sex

New research from Sweden reveals what many sex workers have known all along about the nature of men who pay for sex.

Why People Still Look Down on Couples with a Major Age Differences

In part, people disapprove of May-December relationships because they perceive them as unequal, but new research shows this isn't the whole story.

How Good Is Your “Romantic Competence”?

New research suggests that people with insecure attachment styles can learn relationship skills that can help them get the emotional support they need from their partners.

How Baby Boomers Maintain Their Sex Lives

People are living longer, and having sex later in life. New research reveals the daily factors that make physical intimacy more likely among older adults.

Why Some People Don't Like Being Touched

New research shows the benefits of affectionate touch, even for those who think they don’t need it.

Self-Control and Dating Success

Self-control is the key to success in life. New research shows it’s important even in dating, whether your goal is a long-term relationship or a one-night stand.

This False Belief Will Hurt Your Relationship

We enter a relationship with certain expectations about how it will play out. But one common false belief will definitely lead to unhappiness with a partner.

Porn Literacy in the Digital Age

Researchers need to set aside their preconceived notions if they want to understand how today’s youth consume and produce sexually explicit materials.

How Your Attachment Style Affects Your Marriage

New research outlines the long-term trajectories of marriages between people with insecure attachment styles.

Understanding Why Some People Reject Science

From climate skepticism to conspiracy theories, the denial of established scientific facts is motivated by deep-seated emotions that the "true believer" may not even be aware of.

Deciding Whether to Stay or Leave

New research shows that the reasons why partners stay in relationships are different from the reasons why they leave.

How Marriage Affects Health in Older Adults

As social networks shrink in old age, marriage often becomes central in the lives of senior citizens. This can have both positive and negative effects on their well-being, new research finds.

How to Say “Thank You” for Maximum Effect

We express gratitude to show we value what our partner does for us, but the way we say thanks can influence how good they feel about their sacrifice.

The Psychology of Makeup Sex

New research shows that couples engage in makeup sex to dampen hurt feelings in the moment. But there may be no long-term benefit for the relationship.

Is Your Social Life Killing You?

New research shows that more isn’t better when it comes to frequency of social contact with other people.

Is Hookup Culture Keeping People from Getting Married?

Young people are delaying marriage or avoiding it altogether. Could the availability of easy alternatives to sexual gratification be the reason?

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