Kyle Stephenson

Dr. Kyle Stephenson serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Xavier University, where he directs the Sexuality and Relationships Lab. Holding a PhD from The University of Texas at Austin and a BS from Santa Clara University, his academic work bridges clinical psychology and sexual health research with a focus on evidence-based interventions for underserved populations.

Education:

• BS, Santa Clara University
• PhD, The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Stephenson's research program investigates intimate relationships through multiple lenses: defining and measuring sexual well-being, understanding how sexual experiences impact relational quality and life satisfaction, and developing accessible treatments for sexual dysfunction, relational distress, and anxiety. His work integrates cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, with particular emphasis on digital interventions for women's sexual health and trauma-informed care. Current projects explore gender differences in sexual satisfaction, the role of sexual costs in women's experiences, and protective factors like sexual self-acceptance across the lifespan.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a dominant trend toward digital therapeutics, with 80% focusing on online or mobile interventions for sexual dysfunction. His research consistently prioritizes women's health (73% of articles), examines gender differences (40%), and investigates trauma impacts (27%), while maintaining strong methodological rigor through randomized controlled trials and psychometric validation studies.

Dr. Stephenson teaches core graduate courses including PSYC 622 (Advanced Research Design & Analysis), PSYC 629 (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), PSYC 580 (Clinical Psychopathology), and PSYC 277 (Psychological Disorders), while providing clinical supervision for PsyD students. He maintains a private practice specializing in couples therapy and treatment of sexual dysfunction using empirically-supported approaches.

The Sexuality and Relationships Lab, which he directs, actively conducts research on intimate relationship dynamics through projects like eSense (an online intervention for sexual dysfunction) and the Sexual Satisfaction Study. The lab collaborates with prominent researchers including Dr. Lori Brotto (UBC) and Dr. Cindy Meston (UT Austin), focusing on translating research into accessible interventions for diverse populations.