Dating and Mating

The Social Psychology of Attraction and Romantic Relationships

Madeleine A. Fugère Ph.D.

Subconscious Physiological Responses Predict Attraction

When individuals meet for the first time, their subconscious physiological responses predict their mutual attraction more strongly than their conscious responses.

Why Women Feel More Negatively About Sex Than Men

Many of the factors associated with women's sexual desire can be modified to improve women's sexual experience.

3 Effortless Ways to Become More Attractive

Use these strategies to increase satisfaction with your own appearance and to appear more appealing to others.

New Findings on the Keys to Sexual Fulfillment

Researchers used machine learning to derive the strongest predictors of individuals' and couples' sexual satisfaction from more than 90 different variables.

Can a New Condom Improve Sexual Pleasure for Men and Women?

Researchers tested a new condom designed to increase sexual pleasure and the duration of intercourse.

The Major Problem With Research on Intimate Relationships

This major issue threatens our ability to apply the findings of intimate relationships research to underrepresented groups.

The 4 Different Types of Female Sexual Fluidity

Recent research reveals that women exhibit four distinct types of sexual fluidity, which differentially correlate with other aspects of women’s sexuality.

Why Emotional Intelligence Is in Decline

New research finds declining levels of emotional intelligence in Western college-student samples over two decades.

The Sexual and Relationship Benefits of Sexual Mindfulness

What is sexual mindfulness and how can it improve sexual and relationship well-being for you and your partner?

How Romantic Rejection Can Lead to Body Dissatisfaction

Not all people who experience romantic rejection experience body dissatisfaction. What puts some at risk?

4 Signs That a Relationship Could Be at Risk for Infidelity

Four risk factors on their own and in combination increase the risk for infidelity in romantic relationships. Find out if your relationship is at risk for infidelity.

The Importance of "Sexploration" in a Relationship

What is "sexploration"—and how can you cultivate it to improve your romantic relationship?

How Relationship Troubles Can Cause Depression

Identifying key risk factors for depression can help prevent it.

How Men and Women Conduct Affairs Differently

Intriguing gender differences in behavior and intimacy both during and after affairs.

Suspected Infidelity May Impair Mental and Physical Well-Being

Individuals who more strongly suspect a partner's infidelity report more feelings of depression, more physical health symptoms, and more risky health behaviors.

The Consequences of Keeping Romantic and Sexual Secrets

Secrets can impair self-regard, feelings of authenticity, and relationships.

The Relationship Consequences of a Partner's Unmet Sexual Ideals

Unmet sexual ideals, the potential consequences for long-term relationships, and the one quality which could ameliorate these effects.

3 Research-Based Reasons to Take a Chance on Love

What prevents you from exploring a new romantic connection? Consider these research-based reasons to abandon fear and take a chance on love.

The Strongest Drivers of Sexual Desire in Relationships

Which factors are and are not reliably associated with feelings of sexual desire? New research has some answers.

What Really Makes Us Decide to Stay with a Partner or Walk Away

We may not anticipate the reasons that ultimately influence our decisions.

Family-of-Origin Conflict Is Linked to Worse Marital Quality

Dysfunctional responses to conflict observed in our families may predispose us to engage in those same negative conflict behaviors and to disrupt our current relationships.

Sex Inspires Dishonesty in Both Men and Women

New research shows that when primed with sexual stimuli, both men and women lie to potential new partners in order to make themselves seem more similar and more desirable.

When You’re Most Likely to Long for Sex With Your Ex

Loneliness, social isolation, or an unfulfilling relationship may make us more likely to feel sexual nostalgia for our past relationship partners.

The Strongest Predictors of Romantic Relationship Quality

New research suggests that relationship characteristics are more important than either an individual’s or their partner’s traits when it comes to predicting relationship quality.

Mismatching in Sexual Desire Matters Less Than You Think

New research suggests that couples' overall levels of sexual desire have a greater impact on their relationship and sexual satisfaction than matching one another in sexual desire.

Women’s Feelings Change Based on Partner Sexual Desirability

Ovulatory shifts prompt changes in women’s perceptions of their relationship quality, depending in large part on the sexual desirability of their male partners.

This Quality May Help Protect Your Relationship From COVID-19 Stress

A new study highlights the potential role of partner responsiveness.

Love Activates Similar Brain Structures for Humans and Dogs

Dogs’ responses to familiar humans as well as humans’ responses to their romantic partners involve activation in the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain signaling rewards.

Don’t Underestimate Your Psychological Immune System

Your psychological immune system has a powerful influence over your emotional well-being.

How a High Sex Drive Works Differently in Men and Women

Women's sex drives differ from men's in three important ways.

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