Adventures in Dating

Infidelity

Why a Partner's Affection Could Be Deceptive

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on June 3, 2021

Studies show that we express affection we do not feel in the moment. Here, deceptive affection is discussed along with the perceived risk that your partner will cheat on you.

Studies show that we express affection we do not feel in the moment. Here, deceptive affection is discussed along with the perceived risk that your partner will cheat on you.

Grief

End of Life Communication

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on September 22, 2020

Grief and loss are among the most difficult things that we experience. The final conversations that occur prior to death can have a lasting impact.

Grief and loss are among the most difficult things that we experience. The final conversations that occur prior to death can have a lasting impact.

Leadership

When Loved Ones Handle COVID Uncertainty in Different Ways

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on April 23, 2020

Does someone around you talk about the pandemic too much? Or, do you wish they'd discuss it more? We all have different approaches to uncertainty.

Does someone around you talk about the pandemic too much? Or, do you wish they'd discuss it more? We all have different approaches to uncertainty.

Career

We Broke Up but We Still Work Together

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on January 9, 2020

Though many people date at work, few think about consequences of a break-up. Our new study identifies how and why workplace romances fail, and the nature of work following a break-up.

Though many people date at work, few think about consequences of a break-up. Our new study identifies how and why workplace romances fail, and the nature of work following a break-up.

Orgasm

Why People Fake Orgasms

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on August 14, 2019

Pretending to orgasm may be a taboo topic, but it's not uncommon. New research aims to better understand faking it.

Pretending to orgasm may be a taboo topic, but it's not uncommon. New research aims to better understand faking it.

Deception

When Was Your Last Lie?

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on April 25, 2019

Studies document we regularly communicate deception.

Studies document we regularly communicate deception.

Health

Bad News

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on October 4, 2018

Though we often discuss our dislike of bad news, we rarely think about what it is. Recent research explores this topic.

Though we often discuss our dislike of bad news, we rarely think about what it is. Recent research explores this topic.

Friends

Friends With Benefits: The Why and How

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on July 5, 2018

"Friends With Benefits" are not a rare relationship type. Researchers have identified why we have them and how these relationships are maintained.

"Friends With Benefits" are not a rare relationship type. Researchers have identified why we have them and how these relationships are maintained.

Sex

Just How Often Do People Use Condoms?

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on April 4, 2018

Sexually transmitted infections are not rare, and condoms reduce the risk for such infections. However, how often do people use condoms? Here, I summarize findings from my work.

Sexually transmitted infections are not rare, and condoms reduce the risk for such infections. However, how often do people use condoms? Here, I summarize findings from my work.

A person's Humor Orientation describes his/her tendency to use humor. This entry describes some ways that this orientation might be productive when facing difficult events.

From flirting to fighting, a new study documents how people use technology at work to create, maintain, and end their workplace romances.

Condoms are important in negotiating safer sex—but what do people actually say about using them? My latest study examined this question, summarized here.

Researchers have spent years studying the attraction process. Want to learn some of what they know? I summarize some findings here.

Though often portrayed on the big screen, research reveals how and why this might happen.

Do you think you get as much affection as you'd like? New research examines that perception, along with pain and sleep.

Studies have recently examined what factors explain the frequency of romantic partner deception. Affection, deception, and commitment potentially explain this process.

Affection is a basic human need, so what happens when you don't get enough of it in relationships? New research explores this question.

Divorce is common and results in difficult feelings and experiences. A new study explores the role of humor after divorce.

What might encourage or discourage interracial dating?

Relationships

Why Affection Means Everything in a Relationship

Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on February 8, 2016

What role does affection play in commitment, satisfaction, hurt, and cholesterol?

What role does affection play in commitment, satisfaction, hurt, and cholesterol?