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The Myths of Sex

Examining human sexuality

Sex
3 Reasons Why Disgust Can Become a Sexual Turn-On

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on February 14, 2023

Disgust is an emotion that usually leads us to avoid something, but it can sometimes be an attractor in the context of sex. There are at least 3 reasons why.

Disgust is an emotion that usually leads us to avoid something, but it can sometimes be an attractor in the context of sex. There are at least 3 reasons why.

Fantasies
Why Animated Porn Is So Popular

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on December 14, 2022

Animated porn appears to be growing in popularity. The genre offers a creative way of meeting deeper psychological needs and expressing taboo sexual interests.

Animated porn appears to be growing in popularity. The genre offers a creative way of meeting deeper psychological needs and expressing taboo sexual interests.

Fantasies
Why Many People Find Historical Romance to Be So Sexy

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on October 21, 2022

Sex scenes set in the distant past are increasingly common and in demand on television today. Their growing popularity reflects several common themes in our sexual fantasies.

Sex scenes set in the distant past are increasingly common and in demand on television today. Their growing popularity reflects several common themes in our sexual fantasies.

Sex
Generation Z Is Missing Out on the Benefits of Sex

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on September 8, 2022

Adults under age 25 are the most stressed and least sexed generation. Is a lack of intimate touch and connection making the Gen Z mental health crisis worse?

Adults under age 25 are the most stressed and least sexed generation. Is a lack of intimate touch and connection making the Gen Z mental health crisis worse?

Sex
Can Someone's Sex Drive Be Too High?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on May 13, 2022

What seems high to one person might seem low to another when it comes to sexual desire, which makes defining a concept like "hypersexuality" difficult, if not impossible.

What seems high to one person might seem low to another when it comes to sexual desire, which makes defining a concept like "hypersexuality" difficult, if not impossible.

Sex
How Many Calories Does Sex Actually Burn?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on April 5, 2022

Sex is a form of exercise, but just how much exercise does it count for? A review of 18 studies offers fresh insight into the physical demands of sexual activity.

Sex is a form of exercise, but just how much exercise does it count for? A review of 18 studies offers fresh insight into the physical demands of sexual activity.

Dark Triad
The Sexual Appeal of Dark Personalities

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on March 7, 2022

There’s an interesting paradox in the literature on attraction. While people say they’re attracted to nice partners, they simultaneously report attraction to "dark" personalities.

There’s an interesting paradox in the literature on attraction. While people say they’re attracted to nice partners, they simultaneously report attraction to "dark" personalities.

Sex
How to Manage When Partners Have Different Desires for Sex

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on January 10, 2022

Discrepant sexual desire is one of the most common reasons couples enter sex therapy. While distressing, research finds that much can be done to bridge the gap in healthy ways.

Discrepant sexual desire is one of the most common reasons couples enter sex therapy. While distressing, research finds that much can be done to bridge the gap in healthy ways.

Sex
How People Really Feel About Their First Sexual Experiences

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on December 2, 2021

While most young adults seem to look back on the timing of their sexual debut favorably, a substantial minority appear to have some regrets and wish it happened sooner or later.

While most young adults seem to look back on the timing of their sexual debut favorably, a substantial minority appear to have some regrets and wish it happened sooner or later.

Infidelity
The 4 Biggest Predictors of Cheating in a Relationship

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on November 8, 2021

Infidelity is predictable to some degree; however, new research finds that it usually says more about the quality of the relationships than the characteristics of the person.

Infidelity is predictable to some degree; however, new research finds that it usually says more about the quality of the relationships than the characteristics of the person.

Sex
Sex with a Sleeping Person: The Psychology of Somnophilia

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on October 12, 2021

Different people may be aroused by the idea of sex with a sleeping person for different reasons. However, it is not necessarily indicative of a proclivity toward sexual offending.

Different people may be aroused by the idea of sex with a sleeping person for different reasons. However, it is not necessarily indicative of a proclivity toward sexual offending.