Working group members:

• Mgr. Klára Bártová, Ph.D., CZ, National Institute of Mental Health; Faculty of Humanities, Charles University
• Mgr. Lucie Krejčová, CZ, National Institute of Mental Health; Faculty of Humanities, Charles University
• Mgr. Renáta Androvičová, CZ, National Institute of Mental Health
• Mgr. Kateřina Potyszová, CZ, National Institute of Mental Health; Faculty of Humanities, Charles University
• RNDr. Michal Pitonák, Ph.D., CZ, National Institute of Mental Health
• MUDr. Zlatko Pastor, CZ, National Institute of Mental Health; 3.rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University

Sexual health is an integral part of general well-being. Research in this field focuses on physical, emotional, cognitive as well as socio-cultural components of reproductive and sexual functioning. The interdisciplinary nature of the field requires the use of a wide range of methods from many scientific disciplines (sexology, psychology, sociology, neuroscience and anthropology). Basic research of human sexuality provides evidence-based approaches to sexual variability across various human populations, tests the nature and prevalence of minority sexual strategies and explores cognitive, developmental and neuropsychological mechanisms of sexuality-related processes. The purpose of this working group is to offer recent state-of-the-art research in the field of psychosexuality, including the research of sexual behaviour in different countries and cultural surroundings, research of sexual orientation, basic research of sexuality related mechanisms including experimental studies of human sexual response and mating behaviour. The other important part is basic and applied research of sexual dysfunctions, unusual sexual interests and sexual and reproductive issues connected with the disruption of sexual functioning in the context of illness of body or mind. In this context, new approaches to sexual treatment and assessment will be presented.

Core topics:

• Sexual orientation
• Sexual and reproductive health: prevention and education
• Sexual normality and diversity
• Sexual development
• Neuropsychology and psychophysiology of sex, love and orgasm
• Nature and Nurture in sex: Cross-cultural and evolutionary sex research
• Mate choice and pair bonding
• New directions in sexual therapy and treatment
• Sexuality and illness