Talking Apes

Sex

Is a Man's Sex Drive Really Much Stronger Than a Woman's?

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 20, 2023

Men generally have higher sex drives than women do. But gender differences tell us nothing about how individual men and women compare.

Men generally have higher sex drives than women do. But gender differences tell us nothing about how individual men and women compare.

Genetics

Is There a “Gay Gene"?

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 13, 2023

Sexual orientation is shaped in prenatal development, but science shows that there are not only many ways of becoming gay but also many ways of being gay.

Sexual orientation is shaped in prenatal development, but science shows that there are not only many ways of becoming gay but also many ways of being gay.

Social Life

How to Be an Effective Listener

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 6, 2023

Half of communication is listening—but we also need to send our conversation partners authentic signals that they’ve been heard.

Half of communication is listening—but we also need to send our conversation partners authentic signals that they’ve been heard.

Attention

Why We Should Practice "Critical Ignoring" in the Digital Age

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 24, 2023

The internet is full of attention-grabbing, yet low-quality information. However, honing “critical ignoring” skills can keep you mentally healthy in the digital age.

The internet is full of attention-grabbing, yet low-quality information. However, honing “critical ignoring” skills can keep you mentally healthy in the digital age.

Mandela Effect

Testing the Visual Mandela Effect

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 7, 2023

Many people have similar false memories of cultural icons like logos and cartoon characters. New research investigates why the "visual Mandela effect" occurs.

Many people have similar false memories of cultural icons like logos and cartoon characters. New research investigates why the "visual Mandela effect" occurs.

Sex

The Keys to a Satisfying Single Life

David Ludden Ph.D. on January 3, 2023

People can be happy living alone as long as they can meet their sexual and relationship needs without a regular partner.

People can be happy living alone as long as they can meet their sexual and relationship needs without a regular partner.

Sex

How Solo Sex Affects Your Partnered Sexual Satisfaction

David Ludden Ph.D. on November 15, 2022

New research finds that people have solo sex for a variety of reasons that can affect their sexual satisfaction in different ways.

New research finds that people have solo sex for a variety of reasons that can affect their sexual satisfaction in different ways.

First Impressions

How Much Should You Talk in a First Conversation?

David Ludden Ph.D. on October 29, 2022

Conversations with strangers can be daunting because first impressions are so important. The best approach is to show interest in your partner, but to share as much as you listen.

Conversations with strangers can be daunting because first impressions are so important. The best approach is to show interest in your partner, but to share as much as you listen.

Sex

Why Women Don't Enjoy Sex as Much as Men

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 9, 2022

Women express less desire for sex than men, and the reasons are hotly debated. One likely cause is that the sex they’re getting just isn’t that good.

Women express less desire for sex than men, and the reasons are hotly debated. One likely cause is that the sex they’re getting just isn’t that good.

Sex

What Kind of Men Buy Sex Dolls?

David Ludden Ph.D. on August 28, 2022

The received wisdom is that sex dolls constitute social harm because they acclimate men to sexual aggression, but new research challenges this notion.

The received wisdom is that sex dolls constitute social harm because they acclimate men to sexual aggression, but new research challenges this notion.

Pornography

Who Likes Violent Porn? New Research Upends Expectations

David Ludden Ph.D. on July 17, 2022

According to a new study, women who watch porn are more likely than their male counterparts to be turned on by scenes of aggression, as long as it's clearly consensual.

According to a new study, women who watch porn are more likely than their male counterparts to be turned on by scenes of aggression, as long as it's clearly consensual.

Pornography

The Trouble With Porn "Addiction"

David Ludden Ph.D. on July 1, 2022

Cases of self-reported porn addiction are on the rise, but the challenge for therapists is to help their clients reconcile their moral beliefs with their natural sexual behaviors.

Cases of self-reported porn addiction are on the rise, but the challenge for therapists is to help their clients reconcile their moral beliefs with their natural sexual behaviors.

Pornography

Why Do Some Women Like Violent Porn?

David Ludden Ph.D. on June 9, 2022

The received wisdom says that women should prefer porn that depicts romantic situations, but new research shows that women have the same range of interests as men.

The received wisdom says that women should prefer porn that depicts romantic situations, but new research shows that women have the same range of interests as men.

Sex

Is Sex Addiction a Real Thing?

David Ludden Ph.D. on May 17, 2022

Sex addiction is a controversial topic among healthcare professionals, but labeling high sex drive as “excessive” stems from negative sexual attitudes that pervade society.

Sex addiction is a controversial topic among healthcare professionals, but labeling high sex drive as “excessive” stems from negative sexual attitudes that pervade society.

Growth Mindset

How a Sexual Growth Mindset Can Improve Your Relationship

David Ludden Ph.D. on April 14, 2022

People are happier when they believe relationships take effort. This kind of sexual growth mindset also makes people less sensitive to sexual rejection.

People are happier when they believe relationships take effort. This kind of sexual growth mindset also makes people less sensitive to sexual rejection.

Mind Reading

How to Get a Partner to Understand You

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 24, 2022

“Hot topics” in a relationship can be difficult to discuss, but new research shows that open and honest communication is the best approach to resolving a conflict.

“Hot topics” in a relationship can be difficult to discuss, but new research shows that open and honest communication is the best approach to resolving a conflict.

Relationships

How Close Do You Really Need to Get to Your Partner?

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 25, 2022

Research shows that closeness makes for satisfying relationships, but there are also limits on how close partners actually want to be.

Research shows that closeness makes for satisfying relationships, but there are also limits on how close partners actually want to be.

Orgasm

The Real Reason Why Women Have Fewer Orgasms Than Men

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 13, 2022

New research shows that both men and women believe it’s more important for a man to orgasm during sex than a woman.

New research shows that both men and women believe it’s more important for a man to orgasm during sex than a woman.

Sex

What Partners Need to Know About Each Other's Sexual Goals

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 2, 2022

New research finds that people are pretty good at intuiting their partner’s reasons for having sex, but that still doesn’t make them happier in their relationship.

New research finds that people are pretty good at intuiting their partner’s reasons for having sex, but that still doesn’t make them happier in their relationship.

According to cultural scripts, men are supposed to “give” their lovers an orgasm during sex, but many have little understanding of how female climax works.