Erasmus Love Lab launched for research on love and sexuality

Important research

Research on intimate relationships, love, and sexuality conducted by social and behavioural scientists is of major significance to both science and society. Relational and sexual health –in a broad sense– plays a large role in our physical, mental and social well-being. This is true for youth as well as adults.

“The launch of the Erasmus Love Lab shows that intimacy or sexuality are not something exotic”, says pedagogical scientist/sociologist dr. Daphne van de Bongardt, researcher and project leader of the ELL. “These are very normal and also extremely important aspects of ‘being human’. It is not surprising that new words like ‘skin hunger’ and ‘cuddle buddy’ emerge during the COVID-19 pandemic. People who are more satisfied in their intimate relationships and have healthy sex lives, are often found to be mentally and physically healthier, and to even live longer, than people who don’t have this. Moreover, a healthy start in this area is very important for intimate relationships throughout the life course. That is why studying youth is essential.”

“Alternatively, unhealthy and unsafe intimate relationships and sexuality –at all life stages– can harm our health and well-being”, adds cultural sociologist Dr Samira van Bohemen, one of the other ELL researchers. “Thereby, they can also increase social inequalities. We know, for instance, that the prevalence of sexual violence and sexually transmitted infections is higher among certain social groups. These patterns are important to investigate.”

A peek into the Erasmus Love Lab

Homely and safe environment

The designers of the Erasmus Love Lab have explicitly strived to establish the right atmosphere to minimise potential barriers when conducting social and behavioural scientific research on sensitive themes, such as intimate relationships, love, and sexuality. Special attention was paid to ensuring optimal privacy and safety of research participants. “We have created a pleasant ‘living room’ ambiance, where people feel comfortable. This makes it easier to discuss sensitive topics, as compared to a very clinical atmosphere. We are convinced that the Erasmus Love Lab contributes to the quality of this type of research and consequently to improved insights”, Van de Bongardt states.

Moreover, ELL’s multifunctional lab space offers facilities for various types of research, for instance via questionnaires, experimental computer tasks, observations and interviews. These methods can be used to studies with individual participants or groups, but also with partner couples.