Dating and relationships can be messy. The apps, the expectations, the endless options—it’s a lot. But there’s real science behind how people connect, commit and build a relationship with someone who will “be there when you need them the most.” So how to find such a person, especially in such a world?

WE ARE HIRING 📲 The Kinsey Institute is seeking its first Annual Giving Officer to build and grow a sustainable annual giving program to strengthen philanthropic support for its world-renowned rese...

We quantitatively document a sperm whale birth event, revealing collective support behaviors across kinship lines. Using high-resolution drone footage, computer vision, and multiscale network analysis...

And very wrong

Join Dr. Garcia and Dr. Walling to discuss the science of love and sex, celebrating the landmark exhibition Desire on the Couch with The Kinsey Institute.

From dating apps to AI matchmaking, we're exploring how modern technology affects the human brain and how it's reshaping intimacy.

Are humans built for monogamy? What happens inside the brain when we fall in love? Unpacking the neurobiology of love, desire, and attachment.

As a practicing sex therapist, I often see two partners legitimately trying to bridge a satisfaction gap between each other, but they can’t seem to get the moves just right. If left unchecked, this can lead to resentment and conflict; however, couples who figure out how to speak to each other sexually (both verbally and nonverbally) have the highest success in terms of finding something that works for both of them.Making an environment conducive to this sort of positive growth requires a little bit of effort and the ability to listen. Drawing on my clinical experience, here are my top tips...

Scientists have long focused on quantifying fear and other negative emotions in animals. Now they’re trying to measure positive feelings — and it’s a challenge.

That feeling of being known by someone, without saying a word? That’s intimacy, and a new book from Dr. Justin Garcia says it’s oxygen for your relationships.

When some women orgasm, they experience unusual physical and emotional responses such as laughing, crying, headaches, tingling, foot pain, nosebleeds and more. Known as peri-orgasmic phenomena, the responses are not related to the normal physiology of an orgasm.  A new survey-based Northwestern University study is the first to break down how frequently and consistently women experience these responses, and when they’re more likely to occur (i.e. with a partner or during masturbation).  While the study found these responses are rare — only 2.3% of the sample —...

A new book explores how humans evolved to be wired for intimacy. It can save our lives.

In an eye-opening exploration of the most powerful force that drives our species, Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia illuminates the mysteries of how we date, mate and navigate our love lives. "The best book on modern mating.” - David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire. Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships, and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship? How has the digital age impacted courtship? And why do some long-time couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? In The Intimate Animal, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of love and sex answers these questions and more, taking readers on a journey through the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from the thrill of first attraction to the devotion that lasts decades. Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. In fact, Dr. Garcia reveals that the need for intimacy –even more than sex drive– is key to our species’ survival and flourishing. But therein lies the challenge. We evolved for social monogamy but not for sexual monogamy, yet these impulses are often at odds. Understanding this tension is the key to aligning our romantic choices with our true desires. Whether you're seeking that special someone, recovering from heartbreak, or trying to keep the passion alive, The Intimate Animal is the essential, research-backed guide to forging deeper, more intimate connections in these disconnected times.

About The Intimate Animal by Dr. Justin Garcia

Ape ancestors and early humans likely kissed their friends and sexual partners, according to a new study.

Enter to win one of 20 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Oct 29-Nov 12, 2025. Enter for a chance to win an advanced copy of THE INTIMATE ANIMAL ...

The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. Now, you can help continue its expert-led research.

The term "alpha male" was coined in 1970 to describe wolves. But what does science think about the term now?

Kinsey Institute Annual Reports

Romance and relationships are research topics for some scientists in academia and the private sector. Nature asked them for their insights.

We asked researchers, couples counselors and sex therapists for some simple strategies to strengthen your romantic relationship in 2025.

Awards and Fellowships at the Kinsey Institute

Assessing the relationships between emoji use and traits related to communication and interpersonal skills can provide insights into who employs emojis and the psychological mechanisms underlying comp...

Human Sexuality Intensive