About
Dr. Natalie Rosen
Dr. Natalie Rosen is a Professor and Associate Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, with a dual appointment in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Her research focuses on couples' coping mechanisms during sexual challenges, particularly in contexts like sexual dysfunction (e.g., genito-pelvic pain), infertility, and the transition to parenthood. She employs interdisciplinary approaches to develop evidence-based interventions for couples facing sexual health issues.
Education:
- BA/BSc, Queen’s University
- PhD, McGill University
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Université de Montréal
Research Interests:
Dr. Rosen investigates how couples navigate sexual problems during major life transitions, such as pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and infertility treatment. Her work emphasizes dyadic communication, emotion regulation, and the psychosocial impacts of sexual dysfunction on relationships. Key themes include: sexual desire discrepancies, genito-pelvic pain, medically assisted reproduction experiences, and the role of compassion in relationship well-being.
Recent Findings & Trends:
Her publications highlight the importance of partner responsiveness, daily sexual communication patterns, and communal motivation in maintaining relationship satisfaction during sexual challenges. Studies emphasize the bidirectional effects of stress, pain, and intimacy on sexual health, particularly in postpartum and fertility contexts.
Awards & Honors:
- 2022 SSTAR Mentorship Award
- 2019 Killam Prize (Dalhousie)
- 2018-2025 Royal Society of Canada Fellowship
- CIHR New Investigator Award (2015-2020)
Grants & Advising:
Dr. Rosen leads funded studies on couples’ sexual health interventions, including a randomized clinical trial comparing cognitive-behavioral therapy with lidocaine for vestibulodynia. She mentors trainees in clinical psychology and health research, emphasizing innovative knowledge translation (e.g., #postbabyhankypanky initiative).
Labs & Collaborations:
Director of the Couples & Sexual Health (CaSH) Lab, focusing on translational research to improve clinical care for sexual dysfunction. Collaborates with obstetrics, gynecology, and psychology departments on interdisciplinary projects.
