Role of Physical Behaviors & Desire in Romantic Relationships

My first line of research seeks to understand how adults’ sexual and affectionate behaviors, desire, and communication are related to adults’ relationship satisfaction, happiness, and stability. I primarily focus on LGBTQ+ adult relationships by exploring mechanisms for supporting LGBTQ+ romantic relationships in ways that may differ from cisgender heterosexual relationships. With an intersectional and contextual-driven approach, my goal is to present recommendations for how adults may proactively encourage relationship growth.

Related Publications:

  • Clark, A. N., & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2024). Sexual and affectionate behaviors and satisfaction for adults in romantic relationships: A latent profile analysis. Archives of Sexual Behavior. [Advance Online Publication]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-03016-y

  • Clark, A. N., Walters, T. L., Hanna-Walker, V., & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2023). “Hugging with masks on”: LGBTQ+ college students’ relationship experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interpersona. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.23668/psycharchives.13487

  • Clark, A. N., Walters, T. L., & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2024). “It’s an ongoing discussion about desire”: Adults’ strategies for managing sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies in romantic relationships. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 50(3), 669-686. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12709

Physical Behaviors & Romantic Experiences Among Asexual Adults

My second line of research investigates asexual people’s unique experiences of physical behavior and romantic relationships to promote healthy and satisfying relationships. I am particularly interested in examining how asexual adults with non-asexual partners navigate intimacy issues and maintain healthy relationships. With a queer and contextual-driven approach, my goal is to promote acceptance and relationship stability within asexual adults’ relationships.

Related Publications:

  • Clark, A. N. (2023). Using Social Exchange Theory to examine relationship processes in asexual-sexual couples. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 15(2), 352-372. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12495

  • Clark, A. N., Lefkowitz, E. S., & Zimmerman, C. (2022). Sexual and affectionate behaviors in asexual and allosexual adults. Journal of Sex Research, 60(2), 242-252.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2051161

  • Clark, A. N., & Zimmerman, C. (2022). Concordance between sexual attitudes and romantic orientations: Comparing allosexual and asexual adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51(1), 2147–2157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02194-3