Research

My body of research is broadly focused on sexual well-being in the context of romantic relationships. Specifically, my work focuses on sexual pleasure, solutions to sexual problems, women’s sexual health, sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual desire, desire discrepancy, sexual trauma, communication, maintaining satisfying sex in long-term relationships, and the effectiveness of integrating sexual pleasure into comprehensive sex education.

I am deeply involved in a few larger NIH-funded studies that aim to improve sexual health. I am the PI of an R01 called Tanzabilities, I am a Co-I on an R01 called ReWOSH led by Dr. Jennifer Connor, and a Co-I on an R01 called the ADD SEX FUN Project, led by Dr. Candice Hargons. I am also the PI of the UMN BIRCWH Program and the Director of the University of Minnesota Center for Women’s Health Research.

My Google Scholar page provides a list of my publications and my full CV is linked below.

Featured Recent Publications

Women’s Strategies for Navigating Disclosure of a History of Sexual Trauma with Current Intimate Partners
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Mark, K.P., Lukacena, K.M., Branstad, A., & Litzell, C. (2026)

Understanding Relationship Boredom: A Thematic Analysis of its Dimensions and Links to Sexual Boredom
Journal of Sex Research
de Oliveira, L., Kerner, I., & Mark, K.P. (2026)

The Inclusive Sexual Function Index (ISFI): Adaptation and Validation in a Sample Diverse Across Racial/Ethnic, Sexual, and Gender Identities
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
Spencer, K.G., Vencill, J.A., Mark, K.P., Girard, A., Arenella, K.M., & Rider, G.N. (2026)

Needs Assessment of Training Midwifery, Nursing, and Medical Students in Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for People with Disabilities in Tanzania
Disability & Health Journal
Mark, K.P., Mushy, S.E., Puchner-Hardman, M., Mgopa, L.R., Lukumay, G.G., Rosser, B.R.S., Massawe, A.F., Mwakawanga, D.L., Chikwala, V.Z., Sumari, E.I., Lyimo, A.A., Kilian, G., Trent, M.E., Ross, M.W., Lofgren, C., Connor, J.J., Mfinanga, R.H., Mkoka, D.A. (2025)

Erectile Dysfunction Prevalence in the United States: Report from the 2021 National Survey of Sexual Wellbeing
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Mark, K.P., Arenella, K., Girard, A., Herbenick, D., Fu, J., & Coleman, E. (2024)

Integrating Sexual Pleasure for Quality & Inclusive Comprehensive Sexuality Education
International Journal of Sexual Health
Mark, K.P., Corona-Vargas, E., & Cruz, M. (2021)

Sexual Consent and Sexual Agency of Women in Healthy Relationships Following a History of Sexual Trauma
Psychology & Sexuality
Mark, K.P., & Vowels, L.M. (2020)