Myths of Desire

Sex

How Do Most Couples Define "Rough" Sex?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

Public discourse around rough sex may be on the rise; but what does it mean to like, or have, "rough" sex?

Public discourse around rough sex may be on the rise; but what does it mean to like, or have, "rough" sex?

Pornography

What Makes Porn "Authentic," and Why Women Care

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 25, 2022

Porn can be more pleasurable for women when it is perceived to be authentic. But what makes porn feel authentic? And why is it so important to women?

Porn can be more pleasurable for women when it is perceived to be authentic. But what makes porn feel authentic? And why is it so important to women?

Fantasies

Can Fantasizing About Other People Ruin a Relationship?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 18, 2022

Sexual fantasies about other people are common in many relationships; however, new research suggests the impact may be different depending on how sexually satisfied we already are.

Sexual fantasies about other people are common in many relationships; however, new research suggests the impact may be different depending on how sexually satisfied we already are.

Sex

How Do Our Expectations Shape Our Sexual Experiences?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 30, 2021

How much is our sexual desire affected by what we expect we will experience during our sexual encounters?

How much is our sexual desire affected by what we expect we will experience during our sexual encounters?

Sex

How Important Is Attachment When It Comes to Sexual Desire?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 17, 2021

Not all desire discrepancies are created equal. New research explores the role of gender and attachment style in heterosexual couples.

Not all desire discrepancies are created equal. New research explores the role of gender and attachment style in heterosexual couples.

Sex

What Leads to Sexual (Dis)satisfaction During Pregnancy?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 6, 2021

New research explores why some couples experience an increase in sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, while others may feel less sexually satisfied.

New research explores why some couples experience an increase in sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, while others may feel less sexually satisfied.

Infidelity

Is Infidelity Predictable?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on September 30, 2021

New research identifies which factors are most often associated with engagement in sexual and online infidelity.

New research identifies which factors are most often associated with engagement in sexual and online infidelity.

Sex

Is Charisma the Key to Better Sex?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on September 27, 2021

Charismatic people tend to report higher desire and sexual satisfaction in their romantic relationships; a new study suggests there may be a key reason why.

Charismatic people tend to report higher desire and sexual satisfaction in their romantic relationships; a new study suggests there may be a key reason why.

Sex

How Often Should Couples Kiss Each Other?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on September 23, 2021

How often do you kiss your romantic partner? Your answer may reveal how satisfied (or dissatisfied) you are in your relationship.

How often do you kiss your romantic partner? Your answer may reveal how satisfied (or dissatisfied) you are in your relationship.

Sex

6 Things That Determine if a First Sexual Experience Is Pleasurable

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on June 30, 2021

Individuals with agency, and time to consider what "sex" will include, are most likely to experience sexual pleasure during their first sexual experience.

Individuals with agency, and time to consider what "sex" will include, are most likely to experience sexual pleasure during their first sexual experience.

Sex

How Couples End Up Sexually Bored

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on June 24, 2021

Have you ever experienced sexual boredom? New research explores what contributes to, and maintains, sexual boredom, and what you can do about it.

Have you ever experienced sexual boredom? New research explores what contributes to, and maintains, sexual boredom, and what you can do about it.

Sex

How a Change in Thinking Can Increase Sexual Desire

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on June 18, 2021

New research finds that holding "sexual growth beliefs" is associated with higher levels of sexual desire, even among women with clinically low desire.

New research finds that holding "sexual growth beliefs" is associated with higher levels of sexual desire, even among women with clinically low desire.

Relationships

What Increases Affectionate Touch in Intimate Relationships?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 31, 2021

Looking for more affectionate touch in your romantic relationship? New research suggests that perceived partner responsiveness may be a key ingredient.

Looking for more affectionate touch in your romantic relationship? New research suggests that perceived partner responsiveness may be a key ingredient.

Women with negative genital self-image are more likely to be distracted during sex and, in turn, experience less sexual pleasure. The good news? Mindfulness may help.

Relationships

How to Plan a Date Night that Will Make You Feel Closer

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 23, 2021

Excitement and self-expansion can lead to increased closeness in intimate relationships.

Excitement and self-expansion can lead to increased closeness in intimate relationships.

Sex

4 Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Our Sex Lives

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 30, 2020

Sex researchers are digging in to determine how the pandemic is impacting our sex lives. Here is what we know so far.

Sex researchers are digging in to determine how the pandemic is impacting our sex lives. Here is what we know so far.

Pornography

How Watching Porn Alone or Together Affects Relationships

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 21, 2020

Watching porn with a partner may be linked to deeper relationship intimacy for some couples.

Watching porn with a partner may be linked to deeper relationship intimacy for some couples.

Sex

In a Relationship, Who Tends to Sext First?

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on December 13, 2020

Sexting may provide an opportunity to break free of traditional sexual scripts for mixed-sex couples.

Sexting may provide an opportunity to break free of traditional sexual scripts for mixed-sex couples.

Relationships

How to Maintain Sexual Satisfaction in Relationships

Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on September 30, 2020

Factors associated with sexual satisfaction in mixed-sex long-distance and geographically close relationships.

Factors associated with sexual satisfaction in mixed-sex long-distance and geographically close relationships.

New research explores how older men's and women's definitions of sex and intimacy may evolve over time.