When Obsession Masquerades as Love: Understanding Limerence

Summary: Limerence is an intense, involuntary obsession with another person, often marked by intrusive thoughts, emotional dependency, and a fixation on perceived signs of interest or rejection. Coined by psychologist…

When AI Becomes a Lover: The Ethics of Human-AI Relationships

Summary: As AI technologies grow more human-like, some people are forming deep, long-term emotional bonds with them, even engaging in non-legally binding marriages. A recent opinion paper explores the ethical…

Psychedelics May Enhance Intimacy, Attraction, and Sexual Expression

Summary: In the first study of its kind, researchers found that psychedelic use can positively affect sexuality, romantic relationships, and gender expression. Surveying nearly 600 users of substances like psilocybin,…

Fear of Emotions Fuels PTSD-Related Conflict in Romantic Relationships

Summary: New research reveals that fear of emotions may explain why individuals with PTSD symptoms often struggle to communicate with romantic partners. The study found that people with higher PTSD…

Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed

For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than…

The Personality Gap Between Singles and the Partnered

Summary: Lifelong singles score lower on life satisfaction and show distinct personality traits compared to those in long-term relationships. Using data from 77,000 Europeans aged 50+, researchers observed that lifelong…

Mapping the Brain’s Response to Social Rejection

Summary: A new study explores how the brain processes social acceptance and rejection, revealing how these experiences shape relationships and influence mental health. Using behavioral experiments and MRI imaging, researchers…

Happy Partners Help Reduce Stress in Older Adults

Summary: Having a happy intimate partner can lower stress levels in older adults by reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Couples with higher relationship satisfaction experience an even…

Teen Friendships Shape Long-Term Wellbeing

Summary: New research reveals that teenage friendships lay crucial foundations for adult wellbeing, with the timing and nature of these friendships playing a pivotal role. Early adolescence social acceptance is…

Partner Gender Influences the Pursuit of Orgasm in Women

Summary: The gender of a partner significantly affects women’s expectations and the likelihood of orgasm. By examining the “orgasm gap” between cisgender men and women, researchers uncovered that women anticipate…