Affiliation:
University of Groningen
Short bio:
Charmaine Borg earned her master’s degree from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Women’s Mental Health. After completing her doctorate studies in 2013, she established the Sex Research Lab at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands, where her research focuses on the relationship between ‘default’ disgust and sexual arousal. Currently, she is dedicated to harnessing sexual arousal to improve well-being, including sleep, pain experience, and sexual dysfunctions. Her work has been featured in top international outlets like Forbes, Scientific American, and Time magazine. Accredited as a psycho-sexologist in 2015, she actively contribute as a Management Committee Member of the European Sexual Medicine Network and an Executive Board Member of the European Federation of Sexology.
Title:
From Revulsion to Arousal: Navigating the intriguing Paradox of Passion and Disgust
Abstract:
Passionate encounters with a lover encompass more than just affectionate moments. It delves into the intimate realms of the body, where fluids and closeness intertwine. Yet, in the morning-after scenario, the prospect of your partner borrowing your toothbrush might invoke disgust. What explains this paradox? The answer lies in the intricacies of sexual arousal and the often overlooked factor of disgust. Psycho-sexologist Charmaine Borg invites you to explore this intriguing relationship between sexual arousal and the human aversion to certain stimuli. In her Keynote address, Charmaine will dive into the profound effects of sexual arousal on our overall well-being. She will focus on how by harnessing the power of sexual arousal, we can positively impacts our sleep, our perception of pain, and the cohesion of our sexual and romantic relationships. Drawing from a series of experimental studies, Charmaine will elucidate the bidirectional link between sexuality and disgust. Through her insights and practical advice, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to enhance pleasure in their lives and transcend the boundaries of revulsion.