Romance and sexual desire are often referred to as “misunderstood,” “elusive,” or “complex.” But after decades of studying the subject matter, researchers know more than ever about what helps couples maintain their sexual excitement in long-term relationships.

In a special issue of the Journal of Sex Research, printed online in March 2018, Kristen Mark and Julie Lassa present a review of 64 types of research on sexual excitement in relationships crossing three decades. They note 19 social factors that either help or hold back our experience of sexual desire and classify them into three-wide areas — interpersonal factors, individual factors, and societal factors.… Read More