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The Original & Ongoing Research

This research continues a multi-year exploration initiated through two previous seasons of the #SEXHAPPENS podcast, where participants shared their experiences with sex, sexuality, stigma, and STIs. Using intuitive inquiry, themes from these interviews were identified retrospectively and informed subsequent podcast seasons. Season 1 focused on anecdotal experiences of individuals dealing with STIs, while Season 2 examined systemic, personal, and industrial influences on sexual shame and stigma. Season 3, the subject of this study, will explore cultural attitudes, curricula, and practices surrounding sex education globally.

Expanding to The AFFECT Project

In addition to the original focus on global sex education and cultural perspectives on sexual shame and stigma, this expanded scope will incorporate applied clinical research with families, couples, and individuals engaged in a therapy program developed from the themes and findings of the initial study. The foundational research—conducted through intuitive inquiry and global interviews—highlighted the critical role of early, relational, and culturally-informed conversations in dismantling shame and fostering sexual authenticity. Building on these insights, the expanded study applies the research in real-time therapeutic settings to examine how structured interventions can influence family dynamics and individual healing around sexual identity and wellness.

The expanded program, grounded in the Sexual WIDTH model (Wellness, Identity, Development, Trauma, and Health), aims to support individuals and their family systems in developing healthy language, communication, and trust around sexuality. The goal is to create environments where open and honest discussions about sexual identity, behavior, trauma, and development are normalized and supported.

The research component will use a combination of curated clinician training, pre- and post-intervention survey to assess participants’ sexual knowledge, researcher and therapist consultations for qualitative feedback, and iterative model development for integrating sex and family therapy. This extension of the original proposal allows for both theoretical exploration and practical application, with the potential to inform comprehensive, family-centered models of sex education and therapeutic intervention.

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