Robin Milhausen

My research has two foci – first, understanding factors that enhance sexual and relationship satisfaction, and second, investigating factors that promote condom use and sexual health. First, I have used quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate factors that inhibit and enhance sexual arousal and desire, such as body image and relationship duration, among heterosexual men and women, sexual minority women, midlife adults, university students and more. Most recently, I have investigated these topics in the context of social isolation during the pandemic aong long-term couples. I recently completed a Masters of Counselling and practicing as a therapist has given me many insights (and more questions!) which are informing my research. Keeping the spark alive in long term relationships, motivations for sex and sexual desire, communication and relationship negotiation are all themes in my clinical and empirical work.

I am a member of the international Kinsey Institute – Condom Use Research Team. We investigate predictors and correlates of sexual health behaviour, and have developed a series of interventions to increase correct and consistent condom use.

Almost all of my research projects and publications include student collaborators, and helping to get undergraduate and graduate students excited about the research process is one of my most important research aims. I apppreciate a collaborative working style, working alongside at a coffee shop, and sharing ideas across all levels of graduate training (e.g., phd students supporting undergrads etc.).

• Masters (Counselling Psychology) - Yorkville University, 2020-ongoing
• PhD (Health Behavior) - Indiana University, 2004
• Masters (FRAN) - University of Guelph, 2000

Georgieva, M., Milhausen, R. R., & Quinn-Nilas, C. (2022). Motives between the sheets: Understanding obligation for sex at midlife and associations with sexual and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Sex Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.207627

Karakehayova, M., Smoliak, O., & Milhausen, R. (2022). Romantic partner engagement in muscle-strengthening physical activity: A qualitative study. The Family Journal. Avance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807221104120

Falconer, T., Quinn-Nilas, C., & Milhausen, R. (2021). Body image self-consciousness, sexting, and sexual satisfaction among midlife Canadians. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjhs.2021-0027

Wood, J., Quinn-Nilas, C., Milhausen, R., Desmarais, S., Muise, A., & Sakaluk, J. (2021). A dyadic examination of self-determined sexual motives, need fulfilment, and relational outcomes among consensually non-monogamous partners PLoS ONE, 16(2), e0247001. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247001

Milhausen, R. R., Graham, C. A., Crosby, R. A., Ingram, H., Tetro, M., Bransfield N., Sanders, S., & Yarber, W. L. (2020). ‘What happens in Banff, stays in Banff’: contextual and interpersonal factors contributing to sexual-risk taking among tourism workers. Tourism Recreation Research, 45(3), 376-388. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2019.1697549

Milhausen, R. R., McKay, A., Graham, C. A., Sanders, S. A., Crosby, R. A., Yarber, W. L., & Wood, J. (2018). Do associations between pleasure ratings and condom use during penile-vaginal intercourse vary by relationship type: A study of Canadian university students. Journal of Sex Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2017.1298713

McKay, A., Quinn-Nilas, C., & Milhausen, R. R. (2017). Prevalence and correlates of condom use among single midlife Canadian women and men aged 40-59. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 26(1), 38-47.

Murray, S. H., Milhausen, R. R., Graham, C. A., & Kuczynski, L. (2017). A qualitative exploration of the factors that affect sexual desire among men 30-65 in long-term relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 54(3), 319-330. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1168352

What are the qualities of a student who would be successful in your lab?

A successful student on my research team is driven by curiosity to understand factors at play in sexuality in relationships. I aim to get students involved with research beyond their thesis, and to foster collaborations between students in my research group. A love of quantitative data analysis is a strength – or an interest in developing skills in this area. Also, I do much of my work in coffee shops, so an interest in caffeine and pastries is an asset.

How would you describe your mentoring style?

I work closely with my graduate students, typically working together once a week. Often my students and I work alongside (at a coffee shop). I find this is an efficient way to give feedback and tackle challenges in the research process.

Is there anything else you’d like your potential students to know?

I think attending conferences (and presenting if possible) is the best thing a student can do for their academic career. I will be attending the Canadian Sex Research Forum in Waterloo, Ontario this fall, followed by the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality in Vancouver, British Columbia (pandemic permitting!).

Sexual health among midlife Canadians – findings from a national sample (specific analyses on sexual problems, sexual and relationship satisfaction, masturbation, and features of sexual quality)

Sexuality and relationships among midlife, married Americans - findings from three national studies

Sexual and relationship experiences among individuals in multi-partnered relationships

Continuing analyses of the Trojan/SIECCAN Midlife Sexual Health dataset

Continuing analyses of the Kinsey Institute Sexuality and Relationships at Midlife during COVID-19 datasets