Lucia O'Sullivan

Not considering graduate supervision for the 2027 intake.

Research

Dr. O’Sullivan’s research addresses the interface of sexuality and intimate/romantic relationships, including the impact of new digital technologies on close relationships, with a primary focus on adolescents and young adults.

Another line of research focuses on sexual violence, and the barriers and facilitators to accessing sexual health care and education.

Her research program frequently incorporates international studies and collaborations (e.g., South Africa, the UK, Guatemala, India and the US).

She has published over 175 peer-reviewed scientific articles and chapters, co-edited a book on sexual coercion in dating relationships, co-authored a textbook (Understanding Human Sexuality) and serves on a wide range of research journal editorial boards.

Education

• B.A. (Hons.) University of New Brunswick
• M.A. (Clinical Psychology) University of New Brunswick
• Ph.D. (Experimental Psychology) Bowling Green State University
• Postdoctoral Research Training (HIV) Columbia University

Selected publications

Belu, C. F., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2024). Predictors of infidelity among couples. Expert opinion paper. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(4), 270-272.

Belu, C. F., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2024). It’s just a little crush: Attraction to an alternative and romantic relationship quality, breakups and infidelity. Journal of Sex Research, 62(4), 515-528.

Bockaj, A., Muise, M., Belu, C. F., Rosen, N. O., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2024). Under pressure: Men’s and women’s sexual performance anxiety in the sexual interactions of adult couples. Journal of Sex Research, 62(8), 1442-1454.

Girouard, A., Dion, J., Štulhoferd, A., Bőthe, B., Blais, M., Paquette, M-M., O’Sullivan, L. F., & Bergeron, S. (2024). Orgasm and sexual behavior among adolescents: Differences across genders and dyad configurations. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 54(2), 623-639.

Muise, M. D., Bockaj, A., O’Sullivan, L. F., & Ronis, S. T. (2024). Attachment style and distress in couples experiencing sexual desire discrepancy. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 33(1), 44-54.

Paquette, M-M., Dion, J., Bőthe, B., O’Sullivan, L., Perrier Léonard, D., & Bergeron, S. (2024). How does sexual subjectivity vary on the basis of gender and sexual orientation? Validation of the Short Sexual Subjectivity Inventory (SSSI-12) in cisgender, heterosexual and sexual and gender minority adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 53(1), 275-292.

Thompson, A. E., Gooch, K., Wilhite, R. M., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2025). We were meant to be: Do implicit theories of relationships and perceived partner fit help explain post-relationship contact and tracking behaviors? Personal Relationships, 32(e12591).

O’Sullivan, L. F., Belu, C. F., & Wasson Simpson, K. (2025). Breaking up and bouncing back: Distress and Post-relationship adjustment. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 54(9), 3405-3421.

Metcalfe, K. B., Benoit, A. A., O’Sullivan, L F., & Ronis, S. T. (2026). Factors influencing perceptions of sexual assault and willingness to intervene. Psychology of Violence, 16(3), 360-374.

O’Sullivan, L. F., Belu, C. F., & Tramonte, L. (in press). Do crushes pose a problem for exclusive relationships? Trajectories of attraction intensity to extradyadic others and links to primary relationship commitment and satisfaction. Personal Relationships, 39(2), 413-434.

Paquette, M., Dion, J., Böthe, B., O’Sullivan, L. F., Girouard, A., & Bergeron, S. (in press). Concurrent and longitudinal associations between in-person and online sexual behaviors and sexual subjectivity in heterosexual, cisgender, and sexual and gender minority adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 55(2), 691-711.

O’Sullivan, L. F., & Ronis, S. T. (2026). Isolate, inebriate, intimidate, repeat: High rates of sexual force against women are reported when young men given anonymous surveys. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.