CV
Prof. Gurit E. Birnbaum
School of Psychology
Reichman University (IDC, Herzliya)
P.O. Box 167
Herzliya, 46150, Israel
Phone: 972-9-9602889
Fax: 972-9-9602845
Email address: birnbag@gmail.com
Date of Birth: December 27, 1968
Research Interests
My research focuses on the convoluted role played by sexuality in the broader context of close relationship. My research has involved the construction of assessment tools for studying individual differences in the sexual behavioral system, which have been used to shed light on the processes that mediate the impact of sexuality on close relationships; e.g., differential importance at different stages of development; the meaning couples attribute to their sex lives; the functional significance of sexuality within romantic relationship; and the link between sexuality and other aspects of the relationship.
My current research program employs experimental, qualitative, and daily experience methodologies to investigate the complex interplay between the attachment and sexual behavioral systems within romantic relationships and the dual potential of the sexual system for both satisfying and dysfunctional relational interaction.
Education
1998-1999 The Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, U.S.A: Postdoctoral Fellowship.
1992-1998 Ph.D. With Highest Distinction in Experimental Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
1989-1992 BA Degree Summa Cum Laude in Psychology as major subject and Life Sciences as minor, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Academic Positions
2021-present School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC, Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel: Full Professor.
2021-2021 The Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, USA: Visiting Professor.
2013-2020 School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel: Associate Professor.
2013-2014 The Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, USA: Visiting Associate Professor.
2008-2013 School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel: Senior Lecturer.
2007-2008 New Psychology School, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel: Lecturer.
2005-2006 The Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, USA: Visiting Assistant Professor.
2002-2007 The Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel: Lecturer.
1999-2002 The Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel: Instructor.
1998-1999 The Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, USA: Teaching Assistant.
1994-1997 The Social Work School, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel: Research and Statistics Counselor.
1992-1997 The Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel: Teaching Assistant and Statistics Counselor.
Research Positions
1999-2007
The Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel: Researcher.
Administrative Positions
2019-2021
Coordinator of the Psychology-Law Program
2019-present
2014-2016
Director of the Interpersonal Relationships Program, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC)
2004-2005
2006-2007
Director of the MA Experimental Psychology Program, Bar-Ilan University
Awards and Scholarships
2019 Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), Fellow
2018 IDC Herzliya Outstanding Researcher Award
2018 IDC Herzliya award for encouraging excellence in research
2017 IDC Herzliya award for encouraging excellence in research
2016 IDC Herzliya award for encouraging excellence in research
2014 IDC Herzliya award for encouraging excellence in research
2012
IDC Herzliya award for encouraging excellence in research
Grants
1. The psycho-neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system response to sexual stimuli: The moderating role of hyperactivating and deactivating strategies (co-PI with Ohad Cohen, Mario Mikulincer, & Gilad Hirschberger). Gonda Clinical Research Grant, 2005, $9000.
2. The weakest link of couple interaction: An attachment-theoretical perspective on perceived partner responsiveness and sexual desire (Co-Investigators: Gurit E. Birnbaum and Harry T. Reis). Israel Science Foundation (ISF), 2010-2014, $140,000.
3. How responsiveness and sexual desire jointly shape early-stage relationship development (Co-Investigators: Gurit E. Birnbaum and Harry T. Reis). United States–Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF), 2012-2016, $126,000.
4. Responsiveness as a relationship-maintenance mechanism: Inhibiting temptation while enhancing attraction to one's partner (Co-Investigators: Gurit E. Birnbaum and Harry T. Reis). Israel Science Foundation (ISF), 2016-2020, $200,000.
5. The role of sex in relationship formation and maintenance (Co-Investigators: Gurit E. Birnbaum and Harry T. Reis). United States–Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF), 2018-2022, $154,000.
6. Power within romantic relationship and its contribution to dyadic and extradyadic sexual expressions (Co-Investigators: Gurit E. Birnbaum and Harry T. Reis). Israel Science Foundation (ISF), 2022-2026, $262,400.
Refereed Publications and Book Chapters
1. Birnbaum, G. E., Orr, I., Mikulincer, M., & Florian, V. (1997). When marriage breaks up - Does attachment style contribute to coping and mental health? Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 14(5), 643-654.
2. Mikulincer, M., Birnbaum, G., Woddis, D., & Nachmias, O. (2000). Stress and accessibility of proximity-related thoughts: Exploring the species-typical and intraindividual components of attachment theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(3), 509-523.
3. Birnbaum, G., Glaubman, H., & Mikulincer, M. (2001). Women’s Experiences of Heterosexual Intercourse—Scale Construction, Factor Structure, and Relations to Orgasmic Disorder. The Journal of Sex Research, 38, 191-204.
4. Mikulincer, M., Florian, V., Birnbaum, G., & Malishkevich, S. (2002). The death-anxiety buffering function of close relationships: Exploring the effects of separation reminders on death-thought accessibility. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(3), 287-299.
5. Birnbaum, G. E., & Laser-Brandt, D. (2002). Gender differences in the experience of heterosexual intercourse. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 11(3-4), 143-158.
6. Birnbaum, G. E. (2003). The meaning of heterosexual intercourse among women with female orgasmic disorder. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32(1), 61-71.
7. Cohen, O., Birnbaum, G. E., Meyuchas, R., Levinger, Z., Florian, V., & Mikulincer, M. (2005). Attachment orientations and spouse support in adults with type 2 diabetes. Psychology, Health, and Medicine, 10, 161-165.
8. Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2006). Measuring subgoals of the sexual behavioral system: What is sex good for? Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 23, 675-701.
9. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2006). Women’s sexual working models: An evolutionary-attachment perspective. The Journal of Sex Research, 43, 328-342.
10. Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., & Orpaz, A. (2006). When sex is more than just sex: Attachment orientations, sexual experience, and relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91, 929-943.
Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/tech-support/201507/is-your-childhood-wrecking-your-love-life
11. Birnbaum, G. E. (2007). Attachment orientations, sexual functioning, and relationship satisfaction in a community sample of women. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24, 21-35.
12. Birnbaum, G. E., Cohen, O., & Wertheimer, V. (2007). Is it all about intimacy? Age, menopausal status, and women's sexuality. Personal Relationships, 14, 167-185.
13. Gillath, O., Mikulincer, M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Does subliminal exposure to sexual stimuli have the same effects on men and women? The Journal of Sex Research, 44, 111-121.
14. Birnbaum, G. E. (2007). Beyond the borders of reality: Attachment orientations and sexual fantasies. Personal Relationships, 14, 321-342.
(Nominated for the IARR 2010 Journal Article Award).
15. Gillath, O., Mikulincer, M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Shaver, P. R. (2008). When sex primes love: Subliminal sexual priming motivates relational goal pursuit. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34, 1057-1069.
16. Birnbaum, G. E., Svitelman, N., Bar-Shalom, A., & Porat, O. (2008). The thin line between reality and imagination: Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship threats on sexual fantasies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34, 1185-1199.
17. Birnbaum, G. E. (2009). Sexual dysfunctions. In Harry T. Reis & Susan K. Sprecher (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Human Relationships. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
18. Birnbaum, G. E. (2010). Bound to interact: The divergent goals and complex interplay of attachment and sex within romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27, 245-252.
19. Birnbaum, G. E., Hirschberger, G., & Goldenberg, J. L. (2011). Desire in the face of death: Terror management, attachment, and sexual motivation. Personal Relationships, 18, 1-19.
My contribution to a discussion on the New York Times website on the topic of sexy Halloween costumes and fear of death: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/10/28/do-sexy-halloween-costumes-signify-a-fear-of-death/love-sex-and-death
20. Birnbaum, G. E., Weisberg, Y. J., & Simpson, J. A. (2011). Desire under attack: Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship threat on sexual motivations. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 28, 448–468.
21. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., & Gillath, O. (2011). In and out of a daydream: Attachment orientations, daily relationship quality, and sexual fantasies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1398-1410.
Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201301/inside-look-sexual-fantasies
22. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2012). When does responsiveness pique sexual interest? Attachment and sexual desire in initial acquaintanceships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38, 946-958.
The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-craig-malkin/empathy_b_2263922.html
23. Sagiv-Reiss, D. M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Safir, M. P. (2012). Changes in sexual experiences and relationship quality during pregnancy. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 1241-1251.
24. Birnbaum, G. E., Simpson, J. A., Weisberg, Y. J., Barnea, E., & Assulin-Simhon, Z. (2012). Is it my overactive imagination? The effects of contextually activated attachment insecurity on sexual fantasies. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29, 1131–1152.
25. Birnbaum, G. E. (2013). Sexual desire. In L. Bormans (Ed.), The world book of love. Tielt, Belgium: Lannoo Publishers.
26. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., & Austerlitz, M. (2013). A fiery conflict: Attachment orientations and the effects of relational conflict on sexual motivation. Personal Relationships, 20, 294-310.
Our makeup sex research is mentioned in the Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-best-way-to-make-up-after-any-argument-1405379667
27. Szepsenwol, O., Mikulincer, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2013). Misguided attraction: The contribution of normative and individual-differences components of the sexual system to mating preferences. Journal of Research in Personality, 47, 196-200.
28. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). Sexy building blocks: The contribution of the sexual system to attachment formation and maintenance. In M. Mikulincer & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Mechanisms of social connection: From brain to group (pp. 315-332). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
29. Hoffman, G., Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Vanunu, K., & Sass, O. (2014). Robot responsiveness to human disclosure affects social impression and appeal. Proceedings of the 9th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2014), pp. 1-8.
30. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., Szepsenwol, O., Shaver, P. R., & Mizrahi, M. (2014). When sex goes wrong: A behavioral systems perspective on individual differences in sexual attitudes, motives, feelings, and behaviors. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106, 822-842.
31. Birnbaum, G. E., Ein-Dor, T., Reis, H. T., & Segal, N. (2014). Why do men prefer nice women over bad ones? Gender typicality mediates the effect of responsiveness on perceived attractiveness in initial acquaintanceships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 40, 1341–1353.
Newsweek: http://www.newsweek.com/study-finds-men-nice-women-not-other-way-around-261269
Time: http://time.com/3048579/sigh-men-think-women-who-listen-to-them-are-sexier/
The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/15/science-of-dating-why-playing-hard-to-get-only-works-for-men/
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/28/nice-women-appealing-men-responsiveness_n_5626745.html
32. Birnbaum, G. E. (2015). On the convergence of sexual urges and emotional bonds: The interplay of the sexual and attachment systems during relationship development. In J. A. Simpson, & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment theory and research: New directions and emerging themes (pp. 170-194). New York: Guilford Press.
33. Ein-Dor, T., Perry, A., Hirschberger, G., Birnbaum, G. E., & Deutsch, D. (2015). Coping with mate poaching: Gender differences in detection of infidelity-related threats. Evolution and Human Behavior, 36, 17-24.
34. Birnbaum, G. E., & Finkel, E. J. (2015). The magnetism that holds us together: Sexuality and relationship maintenance across relationship development. Current Opinion in Psychology, 1, 29-33.
The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/should-i-have-had-sex-with-my-ex-l76dk7rt9
35. Szepsenwol, O., Mizrahi, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2015). Fatal suppression: The detrimental effect of sexual and attachment deactivation within emerging romantic relationships. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6, 504-512.
36. Birnbaum, G. E. (2015). Like a horse and carriage? The dynamic interplay of attachment and sex during relationship development. European Psychologist, 20, 265-274.
37. Birnbaum, G. E. (2016). Attachment and sexual mating: The joint operation of separate motivational systems. In J. Cassidy, & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of Attachment, Third Edition: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (pp. 464-483). New York: Guilford Press.
38. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Hoffman, G., Reis, H. T., Finkel, E. J., & Sass, O. (2016). Machines as a source of consolation: Robot responsiveness increases approach behavior and desire for companionship. Proceedings of the 11th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2016), pp. 165-171.
39. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Hoffman, G., Reis, H. T., Finkel, E. J., & Sass, O. (2016). What robots can teach us about intimacy: The reassuring effects of robot responsiveness to human disclosure. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 416-423.
40. Mizrahi, M., Hirschberger, G., Mikulincer, M., Szepsenwol, O., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2016). Reassuring sex: Can sexual desire and intimacy reduce relationship-specific attachment insecurities? European Journal of Social Psychology, 46(4), 467-480.
41. Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Mizrahi, M., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Sass, O., & Granovski-Milner, C. (2016). Intimately connected: The importance of partner responsiveness for experiencing sexual desire. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 111, 530-546.
The Wall Street Journal: http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-rekindle-sexual-desire-in-a-long-term-relationship-new-research-1476724273
Time: http://time.com/4422408/couples-best-sex-common-trait/?xid=fbshare
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/study-uncovers-the-simple-secret-to-long-lasting-hot-sex_us_5792267ee4b00c9876cf12ac
Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160720215315.htm
Science of Relationships: http://www.scienceofrelationships.com/home/2016/7/22/resolving-the-intimacy-desire-paradox-is-more-intimacy-bette.html
Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-keep-the-passion-alive/
42. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Kaplan, A., Kadosh, D., Kariv, D., Tabib, D., Ziv, D., Sadeh, L., & Burban, D. (2017). Sex unleashes your tongue: Sexual priming motivates self-disclosure to a new acquaintance and interest in future interactions. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43, 706-715.
Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/cheating-affair-study-other-people-b2155787.html
https://bestlifeonline.com/cheating-norms-news/
43. Birnbaum, S., Birnbaum, G. E., & Ein-Dor, T. (2017). Can contraceptive pill affect future offspring’s health? The implications of using hormonal birth control for human evolution. Evolutionary Psychological Science, 3(2), 89-96.
Science of Relationships: http://www.scienceofrelationships.com/home/2017/6/1/can-using-hormonal-birth-control-affect-the-health-of-future.html
44. Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). The fragile spell of desire: A functional perspective on changes in sexual desire across relationship development. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 22(2), 101–127.
45. Mizrahi, M., Kanat-Maymon, Y., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). You haven't been on my mind lately: Partner responsiveness mediates the link
between attachment insecurity and dyadic fantasies. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(4), 440-459.
46. Birnbaum, G. E., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Mizrahi, M., Barniv, A., Shir, N., Govinden, J., & Reis, H. T. (2018). Are you into me? Uncertainty and sexual desire in online encounters and established relationships. Computers in Human Behavior, 85, 372-384.
Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/playing-it-cool-doesnt-work-2018-6
47. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2019). Evolved to be connected: The dynamics of attachment and sex over the course of romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 11-15.
48. Birnbaum, G. E., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Mizrahi, M., Recanati, M., & Orr, R. (2019). What Fantasies can do to your relationship:
The effects of sexual fantasies on couple interactions. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 45(3), 461-476.
The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-power-of-fantasy-in-a-relationship-1470671097
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/sexual-fantasies-about-your-partner-can-make-you-stronger-couple-1081405
49. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Kovler, L., Shutzman, B., Aloni-Soroker, A., & Reis, H. T. (2019). Our fragile relationships: Relationship threat and its effect on the allure of alternative mates. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(3), 703–713.
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-people-cheat-complicated
https://www.elitedaily.com/p/why-do-people-cheat-a-new-study-makes-some-fascinating-finds-15910521
50. Sharon-David , H., Mizrahi, M., Rinott, M., Golland, Y., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2019). Being on the same wavelength: Behavioral synchrony between partners and its influence on the experience of intimacy. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(10), 2983-3008.
https://www.womenshealth.com.au/moving-in-sync-intimacy
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/increase-sexual-desire-moving-sync
51. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., & Reis, H. T. (2019). Fueled by desire: Sexual activation facilitates the enactment of relationship-initiating behaviors. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(10), 3057-3074.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-01-sex-relationship.html
https://www.futurity.org/sex-relationships-1952132-2/
https://nypost.com/2019/01/10/sex-at-first-sight-could-lead-to-better-relationships-study-says/
52. Mizrahi, M., Reis, H. T., Maniaci, M. R., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2019). When insecurity dampens desire: Attachment anxiety in men amplifies the decline in sexual desire during the early years of romantic relationships. European Journal of Social Psychology, 49(6), 1223-1236.
53. Birnbaum, G. E., Zholtack, K., Mizrahi, M., & Ein-Dor, T. (2019). The bitter pill: Cessation of oral contraceptives enhances the appeal of alternative mates. Evolutionary Psychological Science, 5(3), 276–285.
https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/xwjngw/birth-control-might-change-who-women-feel-attracted-to
https://www.womenshealth.com.au/the-pill-side-effects
54. Chen, Y. R., Birnbaum, G. E., Giron, J., & Friedman, D. (2019). Individuals in a romantic relationship express guilt and devaluate attractive alternatives after flirting with a virtual bartender. Proceedings of the 19th ACM International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA, 2019).
55. de Jong, D. C., Reis, H. T., Peters, B. J., DeHaan, C., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2019). The role of implicit sexual desire in romantic relationships. Personality and Individual Differences, 149, 46-56.
56. Birnbaum, G. E., Iluz, M., & Reis, H. T. (2020). Making the right first impression: Sexual priming encourages attitude change and self-presentation lies during encounters with potential partners. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 86, 103904.
The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sex-and-lies-are-natural-bedfellows-study-shows-lw9chb52m
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7641947/Study-reveals-people-say-connect-attractive-stranger.html
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2019/11/05/people-will-say-just-about-anything-if-encounter-leads-to-sex-study/
Vice: https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/a3597a/horny-people-lie-more
Fox news: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/study-sex-lying
57. Birnbaum, G. E., Zholtack, K., & Reis, H. T. (2020). No pain, no gain: Perceived partner mate value mediates the desire-inducing effect of being hard to get during online and face-to-face encounters. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37(8-9), 2510–2528.
The Times1: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cleopatra-was-right-treat-them-mean-keep-them-keen-f9l7s909x
The Times2: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-times-view-on-playing-hard-to-get-plus-ca-change-jtfhhcgvr
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8394929/Playing-hard-just-effective-men-women-says-new-study.html
58. Joel, S., Eastwick, P. W., Allison, C. J., Arriaga, X. B., Baker, Z. G., Bar-Kalifa, E., Bergeron, S., Birnbaum, G., Brock, R. L., Brumbaugh, C. C., Carmichael, C. L., Chen, S., Clarke, J., Cobb, R. J., Coolsen, M. K., Davis, J., de Jong, D. C., Debrot, A., DeHaas, E. C., Derrick, J. L., Eller, J., Estrada, M. J., Faure, R., Finkel, E. J., Fraley, R. C., Gable, S. L., Gadassi, R., Girme, Y. U., Gordon, A. M., Gosnell, C. L., Hammond, M. D., Hannon, P. A., Harasymchuk, C., Hofmann, W., Horn, A. B., Impett, E. A., Jamieson, J. P., Keltner, D., Kim, J. J., Kirchner, J. L., Klewer, E. S., Kumashiro, M., Larson, G., Lazarus, G., Logan, J. M., Luchies, L. B., MacDonald, G., Machia, L. V., Maniaci, M. R., Maxwell, J. A., Mizrahi, M., Muise, A., Niehuis, S., Ogolsky, B. G., Oldham, C. R., Overall, N. C., Perrez, M., Peters, B. J., Pietromonaco, P. R., Powers, S. I., Prok, T., Pshedetzky-Shochat, R., Rafaeli, E., Ramsdell, E., Reblin, M., Reicherts, M., Reifman, A., Reis, H. T., Rhoades, G. K., Rholes, W. S., Righetti, F., Rodriguez, L. M., Rogge, R., Rosen, N. O., Saxbe, D., Sened, H., Simpson, J. A., Slotter, E. B., Stanley, S. M., Stocker, S., Surra, C., Vaughn, A. A., Vicary, A. M., Visserman, M. L., & Wolf, S. (2020). Machine learning uncovers the most robust self-report predictors of relationship quality across 43 longitudinal couples studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117 (32), 19061-19071.
59. Birnbaum, G. E., Iluz, M., Plotkin, E., Tibi, L., Hematian, Mizrahi, M., & Reis, H. T. (2020). Seeing what you want to see: Sexual activation makes potential partners seem more appealing and romantically interested. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37(12), 3051–3069.
Press release: https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/sexy-mindset-helps-you-see-what-you-want-to-see-452902/
Big Think: https://bigthink.com/sex-relationships/sexual-behavior-science-of-dating
60. Birnbaum, G. E., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Slotter, E. B., & Luchies, L. B. (2021). Sexual desire mediates the relationship-promoting effects of perceived partner mate value. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50, 3733–3755.
Mind Body Green: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/decreased-sexual-desire-may-signal-relationship-issues
61. Birnbaum, G. E. (2022). Temptation at your door: Receiving mate poaching attempts and perceived partners’ desirability. Personal Relationships,
29(3), 566-580.
Press Release: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/959725
Mind Body Green: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/study-finds-online-flirting-weakens-relationships
62. Birnbaum, G. E., Zholtack, K., & Ayal, S. (2022). Is infidelity contagious? Online exposure to norms of adultery and its effect on expressions of
desire for current and alternative partners. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51(8), 3919-3930.
Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/cheating-affair-study-other-people-b2155787.html
63. Birnbaum, G. E., Bachar, T., Levy, G. F., Zholtack, K., & Reis, H. T. (in press). Put me in your shoes: Does perspective-taking inoculate against the appeal of alternative partners? The Journal of Sex Research.
Press Release: https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/reducing-temptation-to-cheat-in-relationships-548112/
SPSP’s Blog: https://spsp.org/news/character-and-context-blog/birnbaum-making-relationships-cheating-resistant
Huffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cheating-study-on-perspective-taking_l_63e3ee7de4b07c0c7e0e62e7
64. Birnbaum, G. E., Chen, Y. R., Zholtack, K., Giron, J., & Friedman, D. (2023). Biting the forbidden fruit: The effect of flirting with a virtual agent on attraction to real alternative and existing partners. Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology, 4,100084.
BBC: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240206-why-flirting-might-be-good-for-your-relationship
The Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-730228
65. Birnbaum, G. E. (2023). Evolving connections: Attachment and human mating strategies. In D. M. Buss (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of human mating
(pp. 427-446). Oxford University Press.
66. Birnbaum, G. E. (2023). The enticement of feeling understood, validated, and cared for: How does perceiving a partner as responsive
affect the sexual arena? Current Opinion in Psychology, 52,101594.
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/intimately-connected/202305/foreplay-begins-outside-the-bedroom
Additional Publications
1. Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2007). Sexual Behavioral System Subgoals Scale. In J. Fisher & K. Corcoran (Eds.), Measures for clinical practice and research: A sourcebook: Vol. 2 (4th ed., pp. 724-725). New York: Oxford University Press.
2. Birnbaum, G., Glaubman, H., & Mikulincer, M. (2007). Women's Experience of Heterosexual Intercourse Scale. In J. Fisher & K. Corcoran (Eds.), Measures for clinical practice and research: A sourcebook: Vol. 2 (4th ed., pp. 872-874). New York: Oxford University Press.
3. Birnbaum, G. E., & Laser-Brandt, D. (2007). Experience of Heterosexual Intercourse Scale. In J. Fisher & K. Corcoran (Eds.), Measures for clinical practice and research: A sourcebook: Vol. 2 (4th ed., pp. 279-283). New York: Oxford University Press.
4. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2007). Women's Sexual Working Models Scale. In J. Fisher & K. Corcoran (Eds.), Measures for clinical practice and research: A sourcebook: Vol. 2 (4th ed., pp. 878-880). New York: Oxford University Press.
Papers Presented at Scientific Conferences and Invited Colloquia
1. Birnbaum, G. E. (1993). When marriage breaks up - Does attachment style contribute to coping and mental health? Paper presented at the 24th Israeli Psychological Association Scientific Meeting, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
2. Birnbaum, G. E. (1995). The avoidant attachment style - Secure or Anxious-ambivalent!? Paper presented at the Conference on Attachment, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
3. Birnbaum, G. E. (1996). A phenomenological view of orgasmic dysfunction: A search of the sexual experience and its meaning. Paper presented at the Second Scientific Conference, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
4. Birnbaum, G. E. (1997). A phenomenological view of orgasmic dysfunction: A search of the sexual experience and its meaning. Paper presented at the 26th Israeli Psychological Association Scientific Meeting, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
5. Birnbaum, G. E. (2000). The sexual behavioral system from evolutionary perspective. Paper presented at the Third International Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
6. Birnbaum, G. E., Orpaz, A., & Gillath, O. (2002). Attachment and sexuality: A diary study. Paper presented at the Fifth Scientific Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
7. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., Orpaz, A., & Reis, H. T. (2003). Sexuality and romantic relationship: The moderating role of attachment styles. Poster presented at the 4th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 6th-8th, Los Angeles, CA.
8. Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2003). Sexual Fantasies of Couples: A diary study. Paper presented at the Sixth Scientific Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, June 25th.
9. Gillath, O., Mikulincer, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2003). Sex and couple relationships: Evolutionary and Individual Components. Paper presented at the Sixth Scientific Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, June 25th.
10. Gillath, O., Mikulincer, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2003). An Analysis of the Sub-Goals of the Sexual Behavioral System: Dual Processes. Poster presented at the Israel Cognitive Psychology Association - Workshop, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel, June 26th.
11. Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2004). Sexual fantasies and romantic relationship: The moderating role of attachment styles. Paper presented at the 5th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 29th-31st, Austin, Texas.
12. Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2004). Sexual fantasies of Couples: An Attachment Theoretical Perspective. Paper presented at the 1st Israeli Multi-Disciplinary Conference for Qualitative Methodologies, March 22nd-23rd, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
13. Birnbaum, G. E. (2004). Sexual fantasies and a threat to romantic relationships. Paper presented at the Seventh Scientific Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, June 22nd.
14. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2004). Attachment-style differences in the functioning of the sexual system within romantic relationships. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 22nd-25th, Madison, Wisconsin.
15. Birnbaum, G. E., Barnea, E., & Assulin-Simhon, Z. (2005). The Effects of Chronic and Contextual Activation of Attachment Orientations on Sexual Fantasies. Poster presented at the 6th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 20th-22nd, New Orleans, LA.
16. Birnbaum, G. E., & Cohen, O. (2005). Sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction in middle-aged women. Paper presented at the Eighth Scientific Conference of the Peleg-Bilig Center for the Study of Family Well-Being, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, June 16th.
17. Birnbaum, G. E. (2005). When sex is more than just sex: An attachment perspective on sexuality in romantic relationships. Invited colloquium. University of Minnesota, October, 2005.
18. Birnbaum, G. E. (2005). The thin line between reality and imagination: Sexual fantasies within the context of romantic relationships. Invited colloquium. University of Minnesota, October, 2005.
19. Birnbaum, G. E. (2006). Beyond the borders of reality: Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship threats on sexual fantasies. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 6th-10th, Rethymno, Crete.
20. Birnbaum, G. E. (2006). Behind the falling curtain: Cognitive, emotional, and relational correlates of sexual functioning in women at midlife. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 6th-10th, Rethymno, Crete.
21. Hirschberger, G., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2006). The "Carpe Diem" hypothesis: Evidence that primes of death increase the desire to have sex. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 6th-10th, Rethymno, Crete.
22. Birnbaum, G. E., Simpson, J. A., & Weisberg, Y. J. (2007). Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship insecurities on sexual motives. Paper presented at the 8th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 25th-27th, Memphis, TN.
23. Weisberg, Y. J., Birnbaum, G. E., & Simpson, J. A. (2007). Effects of attachment
orientations and relationship insecurities on sexual motives. Poster presented at the 8th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 25th-27th, Memphis, TN.
24. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., & Austerlitz, M. (2008). What does "make up sex" make up for? Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship conflict on sexual motivation. Poster presented at the 9th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 7th-9th, Albuquerque, NM.
25. Hirschberger, G., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2008). Terror Management, attachment, and sexual motivations: A test of three theories. Poster presented at the 9th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 7th-9th, Albuquerque, NM.
26. Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., & Austerlitz, M. (2008). What does "make up sex" make up for? Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship conflict on sexual motivation. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 17th-20th, Providence, RI.
27. Weisberg, Y. J., Birnbaum, G. E., & Simpson, J. A. (2008). Relationship insecurities and sexual motives. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 17th-20th, Providence, RI.
28. Hirschberger, G., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2008). Terror management, attachment, and sexual motivations: A test of three theories. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 17th-20th, Providence, RI.
29. Birnbaum, G. E., Weisberg, Y. J., & Simpson, J. A. (2009). Sex under attack: An attachment perspective on the effects of relationship threat on sexual expressions. Paper presented at the 10th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 5th-7th, Tampa, FL.
30. Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., & Dvir, M. (2010). "You turn me on": An attachment perspective on perceived partner responsiveness and sexual desires. Poster presented at the 11th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 28th-30th, Las Vegas, NV.
31. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2010). "You turn me on": An attachment perspective on perceived partner responsiveness and sexual desires. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 22nd-26th, Herzliya, Israel.
32. Sagiv-Reiss, D. M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Safir, M. P. (2010). While a pregnant belly expands between us: Changes in sexual experiences and relationship quality throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 22nd-26th, Herzliya, Israel.
33. Mizrahi, M., Hirschberger, G., Birnbaum, G. E., & Mikulincer, M. (2010). Between the sheets and beyond: Relationship quality may improve, even when sex is unsatisfying. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 22nd-26th, Herzliya, Israel.
34. Sagiv-Reiss, D. M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Safir, M. P. (2011). "I am pregnant, not sick": Changes in sexual experiences and body image throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Paper presented at the Medicalization of Sex Conference, April 28th-30th, Vancouver, Canada.
35. Birnbaum, G. E. (2012). Sexy building blocks: The contribution of the sexual system to attachment formation and maintenance. Paper presented at the Annual Herzlyia Symposium on Personality and Social Psychology, April 2nd-5th, Herzliya, Israel.
36. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2012). Strange attraction: An attachment-theoretical perspective on responsiveness and sexual desire in initial acquaintanceships. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12nd-16th, Chicago, IL.
37. Mizrahi, M., Hirschberger, G., Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., & Szepsenwol, O. (2012). Sexual healing: Can sex repair attachment insecurities? Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12nd-16th, Chicago, IL.
38. Szepsenwol, O., Mizrahi, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2012). Fatal suppression: The detrimental effect of sexual deactivation within romantic relationships. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12nd-16th, Chicago, IL.
39. Mizrahi, M., Birnbaum, G. E., Hirschberger, G., Mikulincer, M., & Szepsenwol, O. (2013). Sexual healing: Can sex repair attachment insecurities? Paper presented at the 14th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 17th-19th, New Orleans, LA.
40. Segal, N., Birnbaum, G. E., Granovski, C., & Reis, H. T. (2013). It goes both ways: An attachment-theoretical perspective on perceived partner responsiveness and sexual desire. Poster presented at the 14th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 17th-19th, New Orleans, LA.
41. Szepsenwol, O., Mizrahi, M., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2013). Fatal suppression: The detrimental effect of sexual deactivation within romantic relationships. Poster presented at the 14th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, January 17th-19th, New Orleans, LA.
42. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). Bound to interact: The complex interplay of attachment and sex within romantic relationships. Invited colloquium. Northwestern University, January 2014.
43. Hoffman, G., Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Vanunu, K., & Sass, O. (2014). Robot responsiveness to human disclosure affects social impression and appeal. Paper presented at the 9th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2014), March 3rd-6th, Bielefeld, Germany.
44. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). On the convergence of sexual urges and emotional bonds: The interplay of the sexual and attachment systems during relationship development. Invited colloquium. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 2014.
45. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). Attachment and sexual mating: The joint operation of separate motivational systems. Invited colloquium. University of Kansas, May 2014.
46. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). Like a horse and carriage? The dynamic interplay of attachment and sex during relationship development. Invited colloquium. University of Montreal, May 2014.
47. Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Hoffman, G., Finkel, E. J., Mizrahi, M., & Sass, O. (2014). What a robot can teach us about intimacy: Intimacy processes and attraction in human-robot and human-human interactions. Paper presented at the Society of Experimental Social Psychology Attraction and Relationships Preconference, October 2nd, Columbus, OH.
48. Birnbaum, G. E. (2014). The magnetism that holds us together: The dynamic interplay of attachment and sex during relationship development. Invited colloquium. University of Rochester, October 2014.
49. Mizrahi, M., Birnbaum, G. E., Hoffman, G., Sass, O., Reis, H. T., & Finkel, E. J. (2015). Robotic attachment: The effects of a robot's responsiveness on its appeal as a source of consolation. Poster presented at the 16th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 26th-28th, Long Beach, CA.
50. Birnbaum, G. E., & Finkel, E. J. (2015). The fragile spell of desire: A functional perspective on changes in sexual desire across relationship development. Paper presented at the Sexuality Preconference at the 16th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 26th-28th, Long Beach, CA.
51. Birnbaum, G. E. (2015). Inevitably connected: The joint operation of the attachment and sexual systems during relationship development. Paper presented at the conference on sexuality and attachment of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, June 13rd-14th, New York, NY.
52. Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T., Mizrahi, M., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Sass, O., & Granovski-Milner, C. (2015). The weakest link of couple interaction: The importance of partner responsiveness to experiencing sexual desire. Paper presented at the 51st annual meeting of the Society of Experimental Social Psychology, September 24th-26th, Denver, CO.
53. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Hoffman, G., Reis, H. T., Finkel, E. J., & Sass, O. (2016). Machines as a source of consolation: Robot responsiveness increases approach behavior and desire for companionship. Paper presented at the 11th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2016), March 7th-10th, Christchurch, New Zealand.
54. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Recanati, M., & Orr, R. (2016). What fantasies can do to your relationship: The effects of sexual fantasies on relationship quality. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 20th-24th, Toronto, ON, Canada.
55. Birnbaum, G. E. (2017). Inevitably connected: The joint operation of the attachment and sexual systems during relationship development. Paper presented at the Sexuality and Relationships Congress, April 21st-23rd, Rome, Italy.
56. Mizrahi, M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Kanat-Maymon, Y. (2017). You haven't been on my mind lately: Partner responsiveness mediates the link between attachment insecurities and dyadic fantasies. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Mini-Conference, June 22th-25th, Syracuse, NY.
57. Reis, H. T., de Jong, D. C., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2017). The heat is on ... or maybe not: Implicit sexual desire in romantic couples. Paper presented at the European Association of Social Psychology, July 5th-8th, Granada, Spain.
58. Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). The magnetism that holds us together: The role of sex in relationship formation and maintenance. Paper presented at the Sexuality and Relationships Congress, April 27th-29th, Athens, Greece.
59. Birnbaum, G. E., Mizrahi, M., Kovler, L., Shutzman, B., Aloni, A., & Reis, H. T. (2018). Our fragile relationships: Relationship threat and its effect on the allure of alternative mates. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12-16th, Fort Collins, CO.
60. Mizrahi, M., Reis, H. T., Maniaci, M. R., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). When insecurity dampens desire: Attachment anxiety in men amplifies the decline in sexual desire during the early years of romantic relationships. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12-16th, Fort Collins, CO.
61. de Jong, D. C., Reis, H. T., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). Hot or not? Implicit sexual desire in romantic couples. Paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Conference, July 12-16th, Fort Collins, CO.
62. Birnbaum, G. E. (2018). When sex is more than just sex: Why humans make sex so complicated. Paper presented at TEDxVienna, October 20th, Vienna, Austria.
63. Birnbaum, G. E. (2019). What binds us together: The role of sex in relationship formation and maintenance. Paper presented at the Close Relationships Preconference at the 20th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 7th-9th, Portland, OR.
64. Birnbaum, G. E. (2019). Intimately connected: The role of sex in relationship formation and maintenance. Invited colloquium. Tel Aviv University, April 2019.
65. Reis, H. T., de Jong, D., & Birnbaum, G. E. (2019, June). The heat is on ... or maybe not: Implicit sexual desire in romantic couples. Symposium presentation, International Association for Relationship Research Mini-Conference, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
66. Chen, Y. R., Birnbaum, G. E., Giron, J., & Friedman, D. (2019). Individuals in a romantic relationship express guilt and devaluate attractive alternatives after flirting with a virtual bartender. Paper presented at the 19th ACM International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA), July 2nd-5th, Paris, France.
67. Birnbaum, G. E., Chen, Y. R., Zholtack, K., Giron, J., & Friedman, D. (2022). Biting the forbidden fruit: The effect of flirting with a virtual agent on attraction to real alternative and existing partners. Paper presented at XR for the people: Science, technology, applications, and implications, June 13th, Herzliya, Israel.
68. Birnbaum, G. E., Chen, Y. R., Zholtack, K., Giron, J., & Friedman, D. (2022). Biting the forbidden fruit: The effect of flirting with a virtual agent on attraction to real alternative and existing partners. Paper presented the 2022 IARR (International Association for Relationship Research) Virtual Conference, July 28th-August 2nd.
69. Birnbaum, G. E. (2022). The double-edged sword of sexual desire: A force of creation and destruction of intimate bonds. Keynote presentation at the quarterly meeting of the Israeli Society for Sex Therapy (ISST), December 7th, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
70. Birnbaum, G. E. (2023). The double-edged sword of sexual desire: A force of creation and destruction of intimate bonds. Keynote presentation at the annual conference of the Canadian Sex Research Forum (CSRF), October 12th-14th, Montréal, QC, Canada.
71. Birnbaum, G. E. (2024). Tempted by the fruit of another: Conditions that affect the likelihood and prevention of infidelity. Keynote presentation at the Close Relationships Preconference at the 25th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 8th–10th, San Diego, CA.
72. Birnbaum, G. E., Kanat-Maymon, Y., Zholtack, K., Avidan, R., & Reis, H. T. (2024). Beyond bounds: Relationship power fuels desire for alternative partners. Paper presented at the 25th annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, February 8th–10th, San Diego, CA.
Editorship
2008-2012 Personal Relationships, Associate Editor
2017 Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Guest Editor
2019 Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Guest Editor
Editorial Boards
2024-present Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
2008-2014
2020-present Archives of Sexual Behavior
2006-2008 Personal Relationships
2008-2022 Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
2021-2022 European Journal of Social Psychology
Ad-Hoc Reviewer
1. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
2. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
3. Psychological Science
4. Social Psychological and Personality Science
5. Personal Relationships
6. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
7. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
8. Sage Open
9. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
10. HRI 2014, the 9th Annual Conference for basic and applied research in the field of human-robot interaction
11. Israel Science Foundation (ISF)
12. HRI 2016, the 11th Annual Conference for basic and applied research in the field of human-robot interaction
13. Archives of Sexual Behavior
14. Journal of Sex Research
Other Major Service
1. Organizing Committee, International Association for Relationship Research Conference, 2010
2. Elections Committee, International Association for Relationship Research, 2010-2011
3. Awards Committee, International Association for Relationship Research, 2012
4. Media Relations Committee, International Association for Relationship Research, 2012-2014
5. Head of United States–Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) advisory panel in social psychology
6. Elections Committee, International Association for Relationship Research, 2019-2020
7. Israel Science Foundation (ISF)–advisory panel in social psychology
Professional Affiliations
Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), Fellow
International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
The Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP)
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Supervision of M.A. and doctoral dissertations
M.A.
1. Dafna Laser-Brandt: Gender differences in the experience of heterosexual intercourse.
2. Vered Almoyal: The meaning of heterosexual intercourse among men.
3. Hadas Goldrath: The contribution of normative and intraindividual components of the sexual system to the willingness to sacrifice in romantic relationships.
4. Iris Salomon: The contribution of normative and intraindividual components of the sexual system to experiencing pleasure.
5. Yifat Golan: The contribution of normative and intraindividual components of the sexual system to compromising in mate selection.
6. Ayala Orpaz-Parasha: The quality of romantic relationships and sexual interactions in heterosexual couples: A diary study.
7. Rachel Hermoni: Commitment and daily sexual fantasies.
8. Osnat Danino: Attachment orientations and daily sexual fantasies.
9. Keren Gonen: Sexual satisfaction and sexual fantasies: A diary study.
10. Zehorit Assulin-Simhon: Activation of attachment relationships and sexual fantasies.
11. Neta Svitelman: The effects of relationship threat on the content of sexual fantasies.
12. Adi Bar-Shalom: Attachment orientations and the effects of emotional and sexual threats on sexual fantasies.
13. Omer Porat: Sexual imagery and the intention to end romantic relationships.
14. Vered Wertheimer: Age, menopausal status, and women's sexuality.
15. Itay Harel: The effects of mortality salience on sexual motivation: the moderating role of attachment orientations.
16. Chen Granovski: The effects of perceived partner responsiveness on sexual desire.
17. Hilla Sharon: Being on the same wavelength: Behavioral synchrony between partners and its influence on the experience of intimacy.
18. Kobi Zholtack: The bitter pill: Cessation of oral contraceptives enhances the appeal of alternative mates.
19. Bar Shutzman: With a little help from my friends: The effect of relationship threat on provision of help to an attractive stranger.
20. Romy Orr-Sharon: Reflection, lust, and love: Dyadic and extra-dyadic sexual fantasies and their effect on sexual desire and self-sacrificing for one's partner.
21. Aya Bar-Niv: Is a mysterious stranger really attractive? The effect of uncertainty about strangers' romantic interest on attraction toward them.
22. Linda Kovler: “I only have eyes for you”? The effect of relationship threat on the allure of alternative mates.
23. Tali Elichai-Philos: Your fantasy pill: The manifestations of cessation of oral contraceptives in sexual fantasies and in their commitment to their partner.
24. Mor Iluz: The effect of sexual activation on impression management during initial encounters.
25. Einat Plotkin: Gender differences in the effect of sexual activation on perceived attractiveness and romantic interest during online dating introductions
26. Ronit Hematian: The effect of interpersonal motor synchrony on sexual attraction and relationship initiation strategies during an initial encounter with an opposite-sex stranger.
27. Lihi Tibi: The effect of activation of the sexual behavior system through touch on self-presentation during encounter with an opposite-sex stranger.
28. Lior Barbi-Ilan: “Once a cheater, always a cheater”: The effects of moral priming on partnered individuals’ flirting with attractive alternatives.
29. Bar Sade-Lichtenfeld: "License to cheat": Gender differences in the effect of moral primes on sexual interest in attractive alternatives.
30. Rafael Avidan: Power imbalance in romantic relationship and its contribution to sexual expressions.
31. Yael Baibachev: Gender differences in the effect of power dynamics within romantic relationships on the quality of sexual interactions.
32. Ofir Allen: The effect of power dynamics within romantic relationships on the quality of sexual interaction.
33. Tammy Bachar: The effect of partner perspective taking on the appeal of alternative mates.
34. Gal F. Levy: Gender differences in the effect of partner perspective taking on the appeal of alternative mates.
Ph.D.
1. Dafna Sagiv-Reiss: Sexuality and relationship quality in pregnancy.
2. Michal Austerlitz: Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship conflict on sexual motivation.
3. Efrat Barnea: The effects of chronic and contextual activation of attachment relationships on sexual fantasies.
4. Moran Mizrahi: Sexuality and changes in attachment: Can sex repair attachment insecurities in emerging relationships?
5. Sharone Dvir: An attachment perspective on perceived partner responsiveness and sexual desire.