sexology: Research: Kinsey Institute: Indiana University Bloomington

Sexology

Sexology is a multidisciplinary scientific field that goes beyond the study of sex—it helps us understand how our desires, relationships, and sexual experiences shape who we are and how we connect with others. At the Kinsey Institute, we explore the complex interplay between our bodies, our emotions, and our environment to understand the factors that influence love, attraction, and sexual behavior. Our research reveals insights on everything from the neurochemical changes in our brains when we fall in love and how hormones help us bond, to the role of attachment theory in relationships, to the influence of cultural norms on desires and behaviors. Sex and relationships influence all our lives in countless ways, and we provide expert scientific insights to better understand their impact and evolution.

What we study

Neurochemistry of sex, love, and attraction
Impact of culture, religion, politics, and other social influences on relationships
Factors shaping sexual arousal, pleasure, fantasies, and orgasm
Disparities in sexual health and well-being
Solutions for sexual dysfunction, pain, and trauma
Evolution and shifts in sexuality and relationships (e.g., influence of technology, declining fertility, and rise of singlehood)

What is the biopsychosocial model?

The biopsychosocial model looks at how our biology, emotions, and social environment all work together to shape our health and behavior. Kinsey Institute researchers like Dr. Helen Fisher, Dr. Justin Garcia, and Dr. Stephen Porges have used this approach to deepen our understanding of sex and relationships, showing how biological, psychological, and social factors influence how we connect with others.