Our Team’s Research and Publications
Our team members have published many different articles about optimal sexual experiences. More broadly, we also study sexual well-being, sexual experiences across the life cycle, sexual well-being and sexual health among older people, people with chronic illness and disabilities, sexual minorities and the marginalized, access to sex education, depictions of sexuality in the media, including messages in sexual health advertising, romance novels and advice columns. Below you will find a list of selected publications.
Featured Articles:
Kleinplatz, P. J., & Charest, M. (2023). Creating optimal erotic intimacy: An Experiential alternative to treating desire “disorders”. In S. W. Simpson, M. Racho, B. D. Robbins, & L. Hoffman (Eds.), Eros and psyche: Existential perspectives on sexuality: Vol 2: Clinical and spiritual perspectives (pp. 85-105). University Professors Press.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Charest, M., Paradis, N., Ellis, M., Rosen, L., Ménard, A. D., & Ramsay, T. O. (2020). Treatment of low sexual desire or frequency using a sexual enhancement group couples therapy approach. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17, 1288-1296.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Paradis, N., Charest, M., Lawless, S., Neufeld, M., Neufeld, R., Pratt, D., Ménard, A.D. et al. (2018). From sexual desire discrepancies to desirable sex: Creating the optimal connection. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44 (5), 438–449
Kleinplatz, P.J., Ménard, A.D., Paquet, M.-C., Paradis, N., Campbell, M. et al. (2009). The components of optimal sexuality: A portrait of ‘great sex’. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 18, 1-13
Selected Publications:
Bouman, W. P. & Kleinplatz, P.J. (2015). Editorial: Moving towards understanding greater diversity and fluidity of sexual expression of older people. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 30 (1), 1-3.
Brennan, D. J., Charest, M., Turpin, A., Griffiths, D., Adam, B., Maxwell, J., McCrady, M., & Ahmed, R. (2023). “It’s a win for the clinic, it’s a win for the frontline, but, most importantly, it’s a win for the client.”: Task shifting HIV prevention services from clinicians to community health workers in Ontario, Canada. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 20, 780-792.
Cabrera, C., & Ménard, A.D. (2012). ‘She exploded into a million pieces’: A qualitative and quantitative examination of orgasm descriptions in contemporary romance novels. Sexuality & Culture, 17, 193-212.
Charest, M., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2018). A review of recent innovations in the treatment of low desire. Current Sexual Health Reports, 1-6.
Charest, M., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2022). What do young, Canadian, straight and LGBTQ men and women learn about sex and from whom? Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 19, 622-637.
Charest, M., Kleinplatz, P. J., & Lund, J. I. (2016). Sexual health information disparities between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ young adults: Implications for sexual health. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 25(2), 74-85.
Charest, M., Razmjou, S., O’Byrne, P., & MacPherson, P. (2023). A survey to determine health disparities among men who have sex with men in Eastern Ontario: Looking beyond sexual risk and the gay, urban core. Journal of Men’s Health, 19(4), 58-69.
Charest, M., Sharma, M., Chris, A., Schnubb, A., Knox, D. C., Wilton, J., Shahin, R., Chan, A., Mishra, S., Grace, D., Bayoumi, A. M., Maxwell, J., Bogoch, I. I., & Tan, D. H. S. (2021). Decentralizing PrEP delivery: Implementation and dissemination strategies to increase PrEP uptake among MSM in Toronto, Canada. PLOS ONE, 16(3), e0248626.
DiCaita, H., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2023). The more you know? Knowledge about genital herpes and factors affecting adjustment. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 32(2), 178-190.
Ellis, M., & Kleinplatz, P. (2018). How contingencies of self-worth influence reactions to emotional and sexual infidelity. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 27(1), 43-54.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (1992). The erotic experience and the intent to arouse. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 1(3), 133-139.
Kleinplatz, P.J., (1996). The erotic encounter. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 36(3), 105-123.
Kleinplatz, P.J., (1996). Transforming sex therapy: Integrating erotic potential. The Humanistic Psychologist, 24(2), 190-202.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2001). On the outside looking in: In search of women’s sexual experience. Women and Therapy, 24 (1/2), 123-132.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2006). Learning from extraordinary lovers: Lessons from the edge. Journal of Homosexuality, 50, (3/4), 325-348.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2007). Coming out of the sex therapy closet: Using Experiential Psychotherapy with sexual problems and concerns. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 61(3), 333-348.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2008). Invited editorial: Sexuality and older people: Doctors should ask patients, regardless of age, about sexuality. British Medical Journal, 337, a239.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2009). Consumer protection is the major purpose of sex therapy certification. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 38(6), 1031.
Kleinplatz, P.J., (2010). “Desire disorders” or opportunities for optimal erotic intimacy. In S. R. Leiblum (Ed.) Treating sexual desire disorders: A clinical casebook (pp.92-113). New York: Guilford.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2011). Arousal and desire problems: Conceptual, research and clinical considerations or the more things change the more they stay the same. Sex and Relationship Therapy, 26(1), 3–15.
Also translated and published as:
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2012). Probleme der sexuellen Erregung und des sexuellen Verlangens. Bemerkungen zu Begrifflichkeit, Forschungsgeschichte und Klinik, oder: Je mehr sich ändert, desto eher bleibt es sich gleich. Zeitschrift für Sexualforschung (Journal of Sex Research), 25, 168-184.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2013). Invited commentary: Three decades of sex: Reflections on sexuality and sexology. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 22 (1), 1-4.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2020). The profession of sex therapy: Current challenges. In K. Hertlein, & N. Gambescia (Eds.). Systemic Sex Therapy (3rd Ed.) (pp. 13-28). New York: Routledge.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2016). Optimal erotic intimacy: Lessons from great lovers. In Levine, S., Althof, S., & Risen, C. (Eds.) Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals (3rd Ed). (pp 318-330). New York: Routledge.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2016). Sexual disorders. In J. Norcross, G.R. VandenBos, and D.K. Freedheim, (Eds.) APA handbook of clinical psychology. Volume IV: Psychopathology and Health (pp. 380-394). Washington, DC: APA Press.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2017). Sexual dysfunctions. In C. F. Pukall (Ed.) Human sexuality (2nd Edition) (pp. 387-412). Canada: Oxford University Press.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2017). An Existential-Experiential approach to sex therapy. In Z. Peterson (Ed.) The Wiley handbook of sex therapy (pp. 218-230) New York: Wiley.
Kleinplatz, P.J. (2018). History of the treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction(s). Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 14, 29–54.
Kleinplatz, P.J. & Charest, M. (2021). Promouvoir l’intimité érotique optimale. In D. Medico (Ed.) La sexologie clinique, une pratique psychothérapeutique inclusive et intégrative (pp. 157-168). Québec, Canada: Presses de l’Université du Québec.
KKleinplatz, P.J. & Charest, M. (2023). Creating optimal erotic intimacy: An Experiential alternative to treating desire "disorders". In S. Simpson, M. Racho, B.D. Robbins & L. Hoffman (Eds.) Eros and Psyche: Existential Perspectives on Sexuality. Vol 2: Clinical and Spiritual Perspectives (pp. 85-105). University Professors Press.
Kleinplatz, P. J., Charest, M., DiCaita, H., & Rayne, K. (2024). Die Zukunft von Sexualität und Beziehung im 21. Jahrhundet: Wo stehen wir und wo wollen wir sein? [The future of sex and relationships in the 21st century: Where are we and where do we want to be?] In C. Roesler & S. Broening (Eds.), Paarbeziehung in 21. Jahrhundert [Couple relationships in the 21st century].(pp.63-81). Kohlhammer. Germany
Kleinplatz, P. J., Charest, M., Paradis, N., Rosen, L. A., Lawless, S., & Ramsay, T. (2024). Remote versus in-person group therapy for couples distressed by low/no sexual desire/frequency or sexual desire discrepancy: A response to COVID-19. Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy.
Kleinplatz, P. J., Charest, M., Paradis, N., Rosen, L. A., Lawless, S., & Valade, J. 2025. Promoting optimal sexual experiences in group therapy: An alternative to “stopping too soon and settling for too little”. In P. J. Kleinplatz (Eds.), New directions in sex therapy: Innovations and alternatives (3rd ed.)(pp. 311-328). Routledge.
Kleinplatz, P.J. & Diamond, L.M. (2013). Sexual diversity. In D. L. Tolman & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), The APA handbook of sexuality and psychology, (pp. 245-268). Washington, D.C.: APA Press.
Kleinplatz, P.J. & Krippner, S. (2005). Spirituality and sexuality: Celebrating erotic transcendence and spiritual embodiment. In Sharon G. Mijares and Gurucharan Singh Khalsa (Eds.) The psychospiritual clinician's handbook: Alternative methods from understanding and treating mental disorders (pp. 301-318). New York: Haworth.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Lackey, N.S., Dzendoletas, D., Pelletier, L., Holzapfel, S., Neeb, S., & Winterton, V. (2020). Introduction to Core Competencies for BESTCO Certified Sex Therapists. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 29(2), 2020, 139–142.
Kleinplatz, P.J., & Ménard, A. D. (2007). Building blocks towards optimal sexuality: Constructing a conceptual model. The Family Journal, 15, 72-78.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Ménard, A.D., Paradis, N., Campbell, M. et al. (2013). Beyond sexual stereotypes: Revealing group similarities and differences in optimal sexuality. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 45, 250-258.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Ménard, A.D., Paradis, N., Campbell, M., Dalgleish, T., Segovia, A., & Davis, K. (2009). From closet to reality: Optimal sexuality among the elderly. The Irish Psychiatrist, 10, 15-18.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Ménard A.D., & Wannamaker C. (2014). Personal contributors to optimal sexual experiences. In Alex C. Michalos (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (4724-4727). Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.
Kleinplatz, P.J. & Moser, C. (2004). Towards clinical guidelines for working with BDSM clients. Contemporary Sexuality, 38 (6), 1-4.
Kleinplatz, P.J. and Moser, C. (2005). Is SM pathological? Lesbian and Gay Psychology Review, 6(3), 255-260.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Moser, C., & Lev, A. I (2012). Sex and gender identity disorders. In G. Stricker & T. Widiger, (Eds.), Clinical Psychology, (Vol. 8) (pp. 171-192). In I. Weiner (Ed.) Handbook of Psychology (2nd Edition). Hoboken: Wiley.
Kleinplatz, P. J., Paradis, N., Charest, M., Lawless, S., Neufeld, M., … Rosen, L. (2018). From sexual desire discrepancies to desirable sex: creating the optimal connection. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44 (5), 438–449.
Kleinplatz, P.J., Rosen, L. A., Charest, M. & Spurgas, A.K. (2020). Sexuality and sexual dysfunctions: Critical analyses. In J. M. Ussher, J.C. Chrisler, & J. Perz. Handbook of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (pp. 443-454). London, UK: Routledge.
Kleinplatz, P. J., & Charest, M. (2021). Promouvoir l’intimité érotique optimale. In D. Medico (Ed.), La sexologie clinique : Une pratique psychothérapeutique inclusive et intégrative (pp. 157-168). Presses de l’Université de Québec.
Kleinplatz, P. J., Charest, M., Rosen, L. A., & Ménard, A. D. (2022). Optimal couple sexuality: A review of the (limited) literature. Current Sexual Health Reports, 14, 63-69.
Lund, J. I., Kleinplatz, P. J., Charest, M., & Huber, J. D. (2019). The role of the sexual self in predicting pregnancy experience. The Journal of Perinatal Education 28,(1), 43–50
Ménard, A.D. (2013). Reflecting on romance novel research: Past, present and future. Journal of Popular Romance Studies, 3(2), 1-19.
Ménard, A.D., & Cabrera, C. (2011). ‘Whatever the approach, Tab B still fits into Slot A’: Twenty years of sex scripts in romance novels. Sexuality & Culture, 15(3).
Ménard, A.D., & Offman, A. (2009). The interrelationships between sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 18, 35-45.
Ménard, A.D., & Kleinplatz, P.K. (2008). Twenty-one moves guaranteed to make his thighs go up in flames: Depictions of “great sex” in popular magazines. Sexuality & Culture, 12, 1-20.
Ménard, A.D., Kleinplatz, P.J., Rosen, L., Lawless, S., Paradis, N., Campbell, M., & Huber, J. (2015). Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 30(1), 78-93.
Moser, C., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2020). Conceptualization, history, and future of the paraphilias. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 16, 379-399.
Moser, C., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2023). Foreword. In B. Simula, R. Bauer, & L. Wignall (Eds.), The power of BDSM: Play, communities, and consent in the 21st century (pp. xiii-xvi). Oxford University Press.
Nerses, M., Kleinplatz, P.J., & Moser, C. (2015). Group therapy with international LGBTQ+ clients at the intersection of multiple minority status. Psychology of Sexualities Review, 6(1), 99-109.
Razmjou, S., Charest, M., O’Byrne, P., & MacPherson, P. (2021). Pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ottawa: A real world view with benefits beyond HIV risk reduction. International Journal of Sexual Health, 34(1),105-117.
Razmjou, S., Charest, M., O’Byrne, P., & MacPherson, P. (2021). Pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ottawa: A real world view with benefits beyond HIV risk reduction. International Journal of Sexual Health, 34(1), 105-117.
Rosen, L., Runtz, M., Eadie, E. M. & Mirotchnick, C. (2017). Childhood victimization and physical health in women: the mediating role of adult attachment. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 1-24.
Sprott, R. A., Herbitter, D., Grant, P., Moser, C., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2023). Clinical guidelines for working with clients involved in kink. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 49(8), 978-995.
Weaver, A.D., Ménard, A.D., Cabrera, C., & Taylor, A. (2015). Embodying the moral code? Thirty years of final girls in slasher films. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 4(1), 31-46.
Winterton, V., Dzendoletas, D., Holzapfel, S., Kleinplatz, P.J., Lackey, N., Neeb, S., & Pelletier, L. (2020). Core competencies for BESTCO certified sex therapists. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 29(2), 2020, 143–151.
“These findings suggest that we will need to reconceptualise sexual differences and consider the context in which common assumptions about men and women, the old and sexual minority group members have come to be accepted as truths. Even if these assumptions are accurate for low to “normal” sexual functioning, they may be irrelevant in understanding optimal sexuality. Our understanding of sex itself is limited by the degree to which we have focused on the dysfunctional end of the continuum.…Extraordinary sexual relations seem to transcend the level of acts and techniques and indeed, sexual functioning. These findings encourage us to consider human and sexual potential as we attempt to help those who wish to improve their sex lives. Apparently, our clinical goals at present may leave much to be desired.”
Kleinplatz, Ménard, Paradis, Campbell, et al. (2013). Beyond sexual stereotypes: Revealing group similarities and differences in optimal sexuality. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 45(3), 250-258.