Participants

Have you ever wanted to take part in a sex study? Here’s your chance! This page is updated regularly with calls for participation from sex scientists across the globe. Feel free to participate in as many studies as you would like. However, please be sure to review the eligibility criteria first to ensure that you’re a good fit for a given study before signing up. Thanks for contributing to the science of sex!

Participate in any of the active studies below.

Researchers

Would you like to add your study to this page? Just complete the form below. You will need to supply the title and weblink/contact information for your study, a sentence about the selection criteria, and a sentence or two describing what will be asked of participants. You will also need to provide the anticipated end date for data collection, as well as confirm that your study has been approved by an IRB or ethics committee.

Active Sex Studies

Sexual Assault Among University Students in Canada: A Minority Stress and Intersectional Perspective

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of sexual assault in university students, especially in situations that involve the consumption of alcohol or other substances. We are interested in the types and levels of stress experienced in such incidents and how these connect to various identities that students may possess, including, but not limited to, sexual and racial identities. Participation requires answering some demographic questions (i.e., gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, body size [body weight and height], current student status, place of residency, and disability status) and completing questionnaires assessing sexual assault exposure, alcohol use, drug use, overall physical and mental health, and experiences with minority stress on the online survey platform Qualtrics. This study will take approximately 30 minutes. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older and current OR former students at a Canadian post-secondary institution (i.e., university/college).  [Added October 2, 2023]
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The BEAN Study

Queen's University
Calling all Sexperts to participate in an online study! The purpose of this study is to learn what metaphors are known and used by sexuality experts to describe various aspects of human sexuality. Sexuality experts can include undergraduate and graduate students studying human sexuality, sex therapists/counselors, sex educators, sex researchers, sexual medicine experts, and other experts in sexuality-related fields. Eligible participants are invited to complete a ~10 to 20-minute online survey where they report as many sex metaphors as they know. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, self-identify as a sexuality expert, able to read and write in English, and comfortable answering questions about sexuality. [Added September 29, 2023]
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Sexual Desire in Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships

University of Latvia

The purpose of this study is to explore sexual desire in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, and examine any similarities and/or differences between various relationship arrangements (e.g. monogamous, polyamorous, open relationships, swinging, relationship anarchy). Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, and in a monogamous OR non-monogamous relationship. There are no gender or geolocation restrictions. [Added September 8, 2023]

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Intimacy, Relational, and Sexual Satisfaction in Couples

University of Texas at Austin
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how intimate interactions relate to satisfaction in romantic relationships. This study is a couples study, so you and your partner would both participate. You will be asked to fill out demographics, questions about your relationship and sexuality, and identify different interactions that make you feel intimacy/intimate with your partner.  This study will have 1 one-on-one session with a researcher via Zoom and at least two online surveys over 4 weeks. The first session will take approximately 1 hour. You will be asked to complete the first online survey two weeks after your first session and the final survey 28 days after your first session. You must complete a phone screen with our team in order to determine if you are eligible to participate. You and your partner will receive $50 (i.e., $25 each) for the completion of the full study. Participants are eligible if both partners are: 18 years of age or older, in a committed relationship together for 6+ months, and fluent in and able to read and write in English. Please note that partners do not have to be cohabiting, but cannot be in a long-distance relationship. Couples from all over the world are welcome to participate! However, both partners will need either a U.S. phone number or a Google Voice number for this study. [Added August  28, 2023]
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Menstrual Health Survey

Oregon Health Science University
The purpose of this study is to better understand the education and communication around menstrual health in the United States. We want to learn more about access to menstrual health education and services, preferred sources of information about menstruation, and barriers that contribute to medical invisibility in menstruating individuals. We estimate the survey will take 20-30 minutes. Participants who opt to will be entered to win one of two Apple iPads. Participants are eligible if they: are between the ages of 18-45, live in the U.S. for at least 6 months out of the year, have personally experienced menstruation, and have not experienced natural or surgical menopause. [Added August 25, 2023]
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Psychosocial influences on the decision to take PrEP

Nottingham Trent University
This study is exploring the psychosocial influences on the decision to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Gay, Bi, and Straight Men who have sex with Men in the UK. This research aims to explore the specific nuances around PrEP decision-making to develop interventions to empower people to have the kind of sex they want – as safe as possible. A 15-minute online survey will ask about current PrEP usage and then a multitude of psychometric variables. It can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer device. Participants are eligible if they: were assigned Male at birth, are at least 16 years of age, are based in the United Kingdom (UK), and have access to the internet on a smartphone, tablet, or computer device. Please note that it does not matter if you take, have taken, or have never taken PrEP. [Added July 31, 2023]
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Menstruation and Menstrual Sex: Why We Do What We Do

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
The purpose of this study is to examine factors that influence people’s perceptions of menstruation and sexual activity during menstruation. We know there is a wide range of experiences that can contribute to these perceptions and your participation will help us understand how these experiences shape behaviour. Participation requires answering some questions about yourself (i.e., questions such as your age, sexual orientation, and relationship status) on the survey platform Qualtrics. You will then be presented with a series of questions about your preferences, behaviours, and attitudes as they pertain to menstruation and sexuality. Please note, this survey does include some questions about sexual disgust which may be distasteful to some individuals, but perfectly acceptable to other individuals (e.g., pornography, rape, sex with animals). We are not interested in whether individuals have engaged in or experienced any of the behaviours presented in these questions; we are only interested in understanding what individual attitudes are towards these behaviours in general. You have the right to skip any question without penalty and the right to withdraw while taking the survey by simply closing your web browser. This study will take approximately 20 minutes of your time. Participants are eligible if they: are at least 16 years of age, and currently menstruate or have menstruated. Please note that people of all genders and sexual orientations are eligible. [Added July 24, 2023]
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Exploring Partnered Sex Toy Usage among Men

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Researchers at KPU are examining sex toy use among males (cisgender men) with female (cisgender women) sexual partners. We know there is a wide range of values and opinions contributing to men’s reasons for and against sex toy usage, and your participation will help us understand how these values and opinions shape behavior. Participation in this study will involve answering some questions about yourself (i.e., demographic questions such as your age, sexual orientation, and relationship status) as well as some questions regarding specific types of sex toys, how you feel about your sexual ability and your genitals, and your values associated with masculinity and attitudes toward women. The study will be conducted on the survey platform Qualtrics and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participants are eligible if they: are male (cisgender men), at least 16 years of age, and have had at least one (1) female (cisgender women) sexual partner. Please note that you DO NOT need to be a sex toy user to be eligible. [Added June 21, 2023]
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Cross-Sex Mind Reading

University of Texas at Austin

Researchers are investigating how accurate (or inaccurate) each sex is at guessing the sexual desires of the other sex. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older and fluent in English. You may be of any sex or gender and of any sexuality to take part. [Added April 25, 2023]

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Sober Sex: An Exploration of Sexual Wellbeing Within Women in Early SUD Remission

Saint Louis University

Researchers are recruiting women and femmes in their first year of substance use recovery. Participants will be asked questions about their previous substance use, romantic attachment, quality of life, sexual wellbeing, and potential concerns around engaging in sober sex. This project is directly inspired by previous clients in residential substance use treatment, and informed by sex researchers and psychologists, including Dr. Lehmiller. Please contact Maria Meinerding at maria.meinerding@health.slu.edu with any questions! Participants are eligible if they are: a woman/femme 18 years of age or older, in their first year of substance use recovery, fluent in English, and currently residing in the United States. [Added April 10, 2023]

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Development of an Inclusive and Comprehensive Measure of Sexual Wellbeing

Queen's University

Researchers at Queen’s University are calling for individuals with diverse identities (e.g., gender and sexual minorities and majorities, consensually non-monogamous, BIPOC, etc.) to participate in a focus group or one-on-one interview to help aid the development of a comprehensive and inclusive measure of sexuality that can be used to assess one’s broad experience of sexuality in research and healthcare settings. Participation will consist of the completion of a ~15-minute online demographic survey, and, if selected to participate, engaging in a confidential 90 – 120 minute focus group or 60 – 120 minute interview over Zoom. Entry into prize drawings is available for the online survey as a thank you for your participation! Those selected to participate in the focus group will be compensated for their time. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, able to read and write in English, reside in Canada or the US, and are comfortable answering questions about sexuality. You do not need to be sexually active to participate. [Added March 27, 2023]

To participate please email: qshrl@queensu.ca and mention the Kaleidoscope study for the focus group, or the Chromatic study for a one-on-one interview. For more information about this study, click the “Participate” button below to be directed to the research lab’s webpage.

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A Study of Sexual Initiation

The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University

Researchers from the Kinsey Institute are seeking participants for a study of sexual initiation. Participation will include completing an online survey that takes roughly 25 minutes. Those who participate in this study will be entered into a raffle to win one of four $50 Amazon.com gift cards. Participants are eligible if they: identify as a man, are between the ages of 18-30, live in the United States, and have been sexually active with another person. [Added December 29, 2022]

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Exploring Obstacles and Barriers for Women Entering the Workforce

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

The purpose of this study is to examine factors contributing to hiring women in the workplace environment. Specifically, what variables make women candidates suitable for varying job positions. Participation requires answering some questions about yourself (i.e., demographic questions such as your age, sexual orientation, and relationship status) on the survey platform Qualtrics. You will then be asked to evaluate a potential candidate for a position in a workplace. The study will conclude with the participant completing a few further measures. This study will take approximately 20 minutes of your time. Participants are eligible if they are: 16 years of age or older. [Added December 26, 2022]

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Relationships between Coaches and Athletes in Sports Contexts

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

This study aims to explore relationships between coaches and athletes in the context of sports and the relationship to mental toughness. While experience with sports isn’t necessary to complete this study, participants with no sports experience will be asked to take an athlete’s perspective. Participants who consent will be directed to the survey platform Qualtrics to complete a demographic questionnaire and will then be asked questions relating to a hypothetical coach/player scenario and some text message exchanges. Questions regarding opinions and attitudes about coaches and athletes will also be assessed. Participation in the entire survey will take approximately 15 minutes. Participants are eligible if they are: 16 years of age or older, of any gender or sexual orientation. [Added August 8, 2022]

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Pregnancy Termination Experiences

University of North Dakota

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the experiences of individuals who have terminated, or strongly considered terminating, a pregnancy. In this study, you will be asked to provide basic demographic information and to answer questions relating to your experience(s) with pregnancy termination. The survey will take about 20-30 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous. Those who participate in this study will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $20 Amazon gift cards. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, and have terminated, or strongly considered terminating a pregnancy. [Added June 30, 2022]

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Sexual Communication Among Gender and Sexual Minority Couples

Texas Woman's University

Researchers at Texas Woman’s University are conducting a study on sexual communication in LGBTQIA or non-monogamous relationships. If you decide to participate, you and your partner will complete a 30-45 minute online survey. Couples who complete the survey can choose to be entered into a drawing for one of twenty $20 gift cards! Couples will enter the drawing by clicking a separate link in the survey so that email addresses will not be linked to survey responses. Any questions about the study or participation can be sent to the researchers at: mftresearchlab@gmail.com
Participants are eligible if they are: in an LGBTQIA or non-monogamous relationship or marriage. [Added March 14, 2022]

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Did Your Sexual Self-Understanding Change as a Result of Experiencing Sexual Pleasure?

Oxford Brookes University, UK

This research investigates how sexual self-understanding changes in response to experiencing sexual pleasure. Participants are interviewed via Zoom, receiving an online voucher of £20 (or currency equivalent). The interview focuses on sexual self-understanding, asking who you felt you were prior to your important pleasurable experiences, what those experiences told you, and your self-understanding since that time. Interviews last 60-90 minutes and are audio-recorded. Participants’ real names are substituted with pseudonyms to protect their identities. Participants are eligible if they are: 26 years or older and their sexual self-understanding changed through experiencing sexual pleasure after a previous relationship. Participation remains open to all genders and sexualities, especially anyone identifying as lesbian who was female at birth. [Added February 7, 2022; Updated July 31, 2023]

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Capturing Understanding of Recent Research and Evaluating Knowledge Translation on Sexuality

University of British Columbia

We are seeking individuals who are interested in participating in a survey on MisconSEXions, our online knowledge sharing initiative for sex and sexuality! Participants will be asked to respond to a 15-20 minute anonymous survey containing questions about their background, as well as misconceptions and facts about sexuality. The study is inclusive of sex/gender, sexual orientation, and relationship type. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, fluent in English, and have access to a device that can connect to the internet (for completion of the online survey). [Added February 3, 2022]

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Men Who Pole Dance: A Qualitative Study

Alma College and Baylor College of Medicine

The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons for men’s participation in pole dancing, and their experiences with pole dance. Participants in the study will be asked to complete an hour-long interview via Microsoft Teams about their experiences being a man who pole dances, as well as answer some demographic questions. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years or older, identify as a man, have competed in at least one recreational pole dance competition in the last 5 years, and are living in the United States. Please contact Dr. Kelly Cuccolo via email (cuccolokm@alma.edu) to schedule an interview. [Added January 14, 2022]

 

Reboot Approaches

Mind Measures

We are studying how the “Reboot” approach to pornography and masturbation is viewed and used by men. We also are studying how “Reboot” and involvement in Reboot communities affects people. Finally, we are interested in what kind of men choose (or decline) to take part in Reboots. Participants are eligible if they are: a male age 18 or older, who understands English, and has heard of the “Reboot” approach to pornography problems. You do not need to have tried “Reboot” yourself to volunteer. [Added January 6, 2022]

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Race & Discrimination within the BDSM Community

Widener University

Mina Beveney, a doctoral candidate and Black psychotherapist, is currently recruiting kinky people of color to participate in a 20 to 30-minute anonymous online survey about experiences of racial or ethnic discrimination, sexual self-concept, and coping. Participants must be a person of color of age 18 or older, and who has participated in in-person BDSM spaces or contexts in the United States within the past 24 months. Participants may choose to enter into a drawing to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards. Feel free to contact the researcher via email (mlbeveney@widener.edu) with any questions. [Added December 8, 2021]

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For Participants

Additional Opportunities

For other research participation opportunities, check out the sites below.

For Researchers

Submit Your Study

If you are a researcher and would like your study added to this page, simply complete this form. Please note that only IRB-approved studies are eligible for inclusion.