Current reporting, research and professional developments across Family & Relationships, curated for psychologists and behavioral-health professionals.
A massive veteran study found a strong connection between untreated sleep apnea and a higher chance of Parkinson’s. CPAP users had much lower odds of developing the condition. Researchers believe that repeated dips in…
Recently, we covered a new study assessing how trends in masturbation have changed over time. This research found that, across gender, the number of people who report having masturbated before has increased, although men…
Test your knowledge of signs that a relationship is on shaky ground. Being in a relationship is exciting. Often so much so that ...
If you’re a dedicated reader or listener of Sex and Psychology, you probably already know that we love talking about masturbation, including its history, its common misconceptions, and its many health benefits. We know…
People are more likely to believe lies when there’s the possibility of a reward. Neuroimaging shows that the brain shifts into reward or risk mode depending on whether the context involves a gain or a loss. Friends show…
Close family relationships afford a person better health and well-being, as well as lower rates of depression and disease ...
We are excited to announce that our study abroad program with Sexual Health Alliance is back for 2026! We will be returning to Amsterdam once again, but we’re also offering a brand new course in Paris! Be sure to book…
As daylight hours shorten and the weather turns colder, it’s possible that you may have noticed a shift in your overall mood, or that you feel more tired, unmotivated, and depressed than usual. For some, this shift may…
In both my personal and professional lives, I’m continually struck by just how much parents judge themselves. Harshly.
Prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes widespread brain abnormalities and poorer motor skills in children. Even after a residential ban, ongoing agricultural use continues to endanger developing brains.
Scientists have discovered a surprising benefit of the acne drug doxycycline: it may lower the risk of schizophrenia. Teens prescribed the antibiotic were about one-third less likely to develop the condition as adults…
Disrupted sleep patterns in Alzheimer’s disease may be more than a symptom—they could be a driving force. Researchers at Washington University found that the brain’s circadian rhythms are thrown off in key cell types…
Despite the fact that nearly half of the population worldwide will experience menstruation at least once in their lives, we know surprisingly little about what the effects of menstruation actually are. Even if we are…
A new study shows that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can significantly improve sleep that same night. Researchers found a clear link between diet quality and sleep depth, with participants who met the…
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that PCOS affects up to 13% of women of reproductive…
A major collaboration between UC San Diego and 23andMe identified genes that shape cannabis use behaviors. The study linked the CADM2 and GRM3 genes to cannabis use and connected these patterns to more than 100 traits…
Is your love just getting by or silently standing its ground? Here are three signs you should give your relationship the credit ...
Molly and Peter have been dating for five years and are in a committed and happy relationship. One day, Peter accidentally ...
In this post, we’re going to cover a topic that combines two things we’ve previously covered before on the blog: the rise in sexual choking and relationship content on TikTok. Specifically, we’re going to discuss an…
Researchers have discovered that ADHD’s hallmark mind wandering might actually boost creativity. People who deliberately let their thoughts drift scored higher on creative tests in two large studies. The findings hint…
Researchers have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could repair the nerve damage from multiple sclerosis. These drugs help regenerate the protective myelin sheath and balance immune responses. Licensed by…
Halloween is a time when kink aesthetics (think leather, latex, corsets, and catsuits) frequently slip into public view. People step into roles and outfits that they might not otherwise dare to be seen in at other times…
New research shows that poor sleep could make the brain appear years older than it really is. Using MRI scans and machine learning, scientists found a clear link between unhealthy sleep patterns and accelerated brain…
Historically, women’s health is a subject that has been under-researched. This is especially the case when it comes to women’s reproductive health, which is a space that has both normalized pain and overlooked pleasure…
New studies show that a bacterial molecule, peptidoglycan, is present in the brain and fluctuates with sleep patterns. This challenges the idea that sleep is solely brain-driven, instead suggesting it’s a collaborative…
I work with adults who feel stretched thin—anxious, exhausted, or “high-functioning” on the outside while struggling underneath ...
Pornography has long been a topic of interest of interest and debate among sex researchers. We’ve covered the science of porn many times before on the blog, including what trans and non-binary people’s experiences with…
A sweeping review from NYU Langone Health reveals that everyday exposure to plastics—especially during childhood—poses lasting risks for heart disease, infertility, asthma, and even brain development issues. These…
Alcohol has long been known to act as a “social lubricant,” especially when it comes to the pursuit of sex and relationships. When people drink, they tend to feel less inhibited by social cues and, therefore, may feel…
We are thrilled to announce that the thirteenth annual SPSP Sexuality Pre-Conference will take place in Chicago on Thursday, February 26, 2026! We hope you will join us for this exciting event and invite you to submit…
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