Talking Apes

Sex

Friends with Benefits Is About More Than Casual Sex

David Ludden Ph.D. on January 17, 2022

A friends-with-benefits relationship is more than just a casual fling but short of a long-term commitment, and the rules of engagement vary widely from couple to couple.

A friends-with-benefits relationship is more than just a casual fling but short of a long-term commitment, and the rules of engagement vary widely from couple to couple.

Psychology

The Psychology of Vaccine Hesitancy

David Ludden Ph.D. on January 12, 2022

Political ideology helps explain COVID vaccine hesitancy, but it’s subtler than just a division between conservative and liberal worldviews.

Political ideology helps explain COVID vaccine hesitancy, but it’s subtler than just a division between conservative and liberal worldviews.

Sex

Why Couples of All Ages Are Having Less Sex Today

David Ludden Ph.D. on January 7, 2022

Even young adults show a decline, but they may just be more honest.

Even young adults show a decline, but they may just be more honest.

Gender

What Matters Most When Meeting Someone New

David Ludden Ph.D. on December 28, 2021

People consider both the things they want (deal makers) and don’t want (deal breakers) in a potential mate, but they give more weight to positive than negative traits.

People consider both the things they want (deal makers) and don’t want (deal breakers) in a potential mate, but they give more weight to positive than negative traits.

Personality

How Someone's Personality Can Keep Them From a Relationship

David Ludden Ph.D. on December 23, 2021

A simple personality test can determine whether you’re single and whether you’re happy that way or not.

A simple personality test can determine whether you’re single and whether you’re happy that way or not.

Marriage

Does Getting Married Really Make Us Happier?

David Ludden Ph.D. on December 17, 2021

Married people are generally happier than singles. New research explores whether they're happy because they’re married, or married because they’re happy.

Married people are generally happier than singles. New research explores whether they're happy because they’re married, or married because they’re happy.

Orgasm

If You Want an Orgasm, Stimulate This

David Ludden Ph.D. on December 11, 2021

Researchers have identified the center for a sexual climax, but it isn’t located where you think.

Researchers have identified the center for a sexual climax, but it isn’t located where you think.

Charisma

The Link Between Charisma and Sexual Desire

David Ludden Ph.D. on December 3, 2021

Charismatic people make great leaders, but new research shows they make great lovers as well. And the good news is that charismatic behaviors can be learned.

Charismatic people make great leaders, but new research shows they make great lovers as well. And the good news is that charismatic behaviors can be learned.

Gender

Why Some Transpersons Decide to Detransition

David Ludden Ph.D. on November 27, 2021

Gender-affirming medical procedures have helped many people lead productive lives, but some come to regret their transition.

Gender-affirming medical procedures have helped many people lead productive lives, but some come to regret their transition.

Marriage

What Couples Can Do When Marriage Stops Being Fun

David Ludden Ph.D. on November 19, 2021

A decline in relationship satisfaction is inevitable in almost all marriages, but successful couples learn how to find opportunities for positive interactions.

A decline in relationship satisfaction is inevitable in almost all marriages, but successful couples learn how to find opportunities for positive interactions.

Relationships

Why Crushes Are So Common, and Healthy, at All Ages

David Ludden Ph.D. on November 12, 2021

New research shows that crushes are quite common among adults in committed relationship, but it also finds these to be little cause for concern.

New research shows that crushes are quite common among adults in committed relationship, but it also finds these to be little cause for concern.

Sex

What Partners Can Do When One Isn’t in the Mood

David Ludden Ph.D. on November 5, 2021

A satisfying relationship requires open communication about intimate preferences, but many couples find it difficult to talk about sex. Here's how to bridge the gap.

A satisfying relationship requires open communication about intimate preferences, but many couples find it difficult to talk about sex. Here's how to bridge the gap.

Relationships

Why We Love Our Partners Even if We Sometimes Hate Them

David Ludden Ph.D. on October 29, 2021

It’s normal for people to hold both positive and negative attitudes about their spouse, and the resulting cognitive dissonance can be a strong motivation for change.

It’s normal for people to hold both positive and negative attitudes about their spouse, and the resulting cognitive dissonance can be a strong motivation for change.

Marriage

How Stresses Outside the Home Impact Your Marriage

David Ludden Ph.D. on October 21, 2021

When we're under a lot of stress, we often blame our partner for things that really aren't their fault. Being mindful of this can make our marriage stronger.

When we're under a lot of stress, we often blame our partner for things that really aren't their fault. Being mindful of this can make our marriage stronger.

Marriage

Why 3 Core Myths About Marriage Are Wrong

David Ludden Ph.D. on October 9, 2021

New research challenges commonly accepted assumptions about the dynamics of happy and unhappy relationships.

New research challenges commonly accepted assumptions about the dynamics of happy and unhappy relationships.

Jealousy

How Couples Achieve the Opposite of Jealousy

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 30, 2021

Couples in open marriages feel happiness for their partner’s other romances, which they call “compersion,” but that doesn’t mean they can’t also experience jealousy.

Couples in open marriages feel happiness for their partner’s other romances, which they call “compersion,” but that doesn’t mean they can’t also experience jealousy.

Relationships

Why Hiding Emotions Ruins Relationships

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 23, 2021

Some people hide their emotions to protect themselves during conflicts, but instead it hampers attempts to resolve the issue.

Some people hide their emotions to protect themselves during conflicts, but instead it hampers attempts to resolve the issue.

Infidelity

Why Holding Onto Secrets Can Be So Harmful

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 17, 2021

Keeping secrets can be psychologically damaging, but gaining insight into the reasons for doing so can help lead to empowerment.

Keeping secrets can be psychologically damaging, but gaining insight into the reasons for doing so can help lead to empowerment.

Relationships

How Your Socioeconomic Status Affects Your Marriage

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 10, 2021

The great divide between rich and poor in America has led to different sets of relationship issues for high- and low-SES couples.

The great divide between rich and poor in America has led to different sets of relationship issues for high- and low-SES couples.

Extroversion

Can Acting More Outgoing Make You Feel Better?

David Ludden Ph.D. on August 28, 2021

Are you feeling down? Findings from a recent study suggest that acting more extraverted than usual could boost your mood.

Are you feeling down? Findings from a recent study suggest that acting more extraverted than usual could boost your mood.