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Women Who Stray

Notes on the history and current practice of female infidelity

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?

Vagus Nerve
Polyvagal Theory—Useful Narrative but Still Just a Theory

David J. Ley Ph.D. on September 30, 2022

Polyvagal Theory is the latest in a long string of psychological fads that are popularized in advance of strong empirical data. Here are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using PVT.

Polyvagal Theory is the latest in a long string of psychological fads that are popularized in advance of strong empirical data. Here are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using PVT.

Attention
The Mystery of Lost Periods During the Holocaust

David J. Ley Ph.D. on August 19, 2022

Why did so many women stop menstruating when they were put in concentration camps? And why has it taken so long for someone to ask about it?

Why did so many women stop menstruating when they were put in concentration camps? And why has it taken so long for someone to ask about it?

Friends
Why Some Men Share Naked Pictures of Their Wives

David J. Ley Ph.D. on August 13, 2022

In recent news, Trump insider Alex Jones is revealed to have sent nude photos of his wife to political adviser Roger Stone. Why do men share nude images of their female partners?

In recent news, Trump insider Alex Jones is revealed to have sent nude photos of his wife to political adviser Roger Stone. Why do men share nude images of their female partners?

Therapy
2 Things Most Therapists Do but Shouldn’t

David J. Ley Ph.D. on July 7, 2022

Therapists can sometimes inadvertently violate confidentiality and ethical boundaries through informal conversations with friends and family.

Therapists can sometimes inadvertently violate confidentiality and ethical boundaries through informal conversations with friends and family.