Research project: Sexual wellbeing, functioning, arousal and pleasure
Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.
Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.
The aim of the current study is to pilot a new questionnaire that assesses the impact of chronic pelvic pain on women’s lives. The questionnaire will be designed specifically for women with chronic pelvic pain and will assess factors considered relevant and important to them.
Supervisors - Professor Cynthia Graham, Dr Christina Liossi
Status – Currently active
Period-related pain is highly prevalent among young girls and can negatively impact on many aspects of life (education, social activities, family relationships etc). The findings from this PhD study will be critical to the development of future interventions to improve quality of life for teenage girls experiencing dysmenorrhea.
PhD Studentship – Polly Langdon
Supervisors - Professor Cynthia Graham
Status – Currently active
Body hair grooming has become the subject of substantial attention in the media and beyond. Some people choose to do it, some people choose not to. The aim of this study is to explore to what extent young men and women remove hair from different parts of their bodies, including the genital region.
Status – Currently active
The objectives of the KIHIS-UK study include adapting a condom promotion programme which has been developed and tested in the US for use among young men in the UK. The US programme gives out "condom kits" (containing different condoms and lubricants) asks men to try out the condoms at home by themselves by completing various homework exercises. As they test each condom they are asked to think about their own pleasure and which condoms they like best.
The aim of the programme is for men to improve their condom skills by 1) finding the "right/best" types of condoms and lubricants, 2) testing techniques of applying them, and 3) by practicing with them in no pressure situations (on their own).
In collaboration with our colleagues at the Centre for Technology Enabled Health Research, Coventry University, we are exploring whether the idea can be adapted for use with men in the UK to improve their skills in applying condoms and their pleasure in using them.
Funding – MRC-PHIND
Status – Currently active
Supervisors: Professor Cynthia Graham
Status – Currently active
Many modern cultures now accept that solo-sex is a ‘normal’ aspect of human sexuality with questions on masturbation being included in a number of international sexual behaviour surveys. This study explores the relationship between female self-exploration (masturbation) and aspects of sexual agency as defined through sexual expectations, recognition of the double standard, desires and pleasures, and sexual self-expression and communication.
Funding - Economic and Social Research Council and the Department of Health.