Sexuality and relationships
This area of sexual health research focuses on the social aspects of sexual health issues including risk behaviours
La Trobe University, through the work of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), specialises in research in sexuality and relationships across a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives. This includes research across age, culture, identity in Australia and internationally. ARCSHS staff have consulted for the World Health Organization; UNICEF; UNAIDS; Family Health International; the Ford Foundation; AusAID, and numerous government and non-government agencies.
Ongoing research programs at ARCSHS which support this specialisation include:
- Sex and sexuality in contemporary Australia
- Improving the sexual health of young Australians
- Living with HIV and HIV Prevention
- Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria
- International research programs in South East Asia and Asia Pacific regions
ARCSHS is committed to setting a standard of excellence in carrying out interdisciplinary research on sexuality and health that, within the context of society, draws on a social model of health and promotes social justice. It is a leading national and an international Centre for research on sexuality, health and gender and for research training in these fields. It is also recognised internationally for knowledge transfer into policy and practice.
Potential PhD topics
The Department will consider any research topic that interests potential PhD students; however, students will benefit from researching in areas that align with the Faculty’s research strengths. Please find a relevant supervisor to discuss your PhD topic.
Alternatively you may contact one of our academics below to discuss your area of interest.
- Professor Marian Pitts
- Dr Amaryll Perlesz
- Dr Kent Patrick
- Professor Pranee Liamputtong
- Ms Kylie Johnston
- Ms Roz Ward
- Professor Richard Wassersug
- Ms Rachel Thorpe
- Dr Karalyn McDonald
- Dr Sue Dyson
- Dr Garrett Prestage
- “People with an intellectual disability; sexuality, relationships and sexual assault prevention” - Dr Patsie Frawley
- Child and adolescent sexualities; queer sexualities - Dr Steven Angelides
- Commerical sex - Dr Elizabeth Smith
- Experiences and cultures of gay men and other MSM in Australasia and South East Asia - Dr Jeffrey Grierson
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual transgender and intersex health and human rights - Professor Anne Mitchell
- History of Sexuality, Religion and Emotions - Dr Timothy Jones
- lesbian and gay relationship, lesbian and gay parenting, family resilience - Dr Jennifer Power
- Please contact me to discuss a topic - Dr Duane Duncan
- School based education; health promotion - Ms Jenny Walsh
- Separation and Divorce, Same-Sex Parented Families, Religion/Spirituality and LGBTIQ People - Mr Luke Gahan
- Sexual citizenship - Professor Gary Dowsett
- Sexual health and ageing - Dr Catherine Barrett
