Sex and Intimacy during COVID-19

The survey has now closed.

Check out our Outputs page for findings and results of the study!

Contact Us

About the study

New measures of social distancing, isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic are changing how we can interact with other people. At the same time, we have access to a wide range of technologies in our home – such as the internet, webcams, and smart phones. To understand the ways that technology may (or may not) help to establish or maintain sexual connections, relationships and experiences during the coronavirus pandemic, we are conducting a national survey of adults residing in Australia.


This is a unique and unprecedented time in global history. In this study, we are seeking to explore if, how, and why, people might be using online sources for sexual experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. The survey is anonymous and open to anyone residing in Australia who is aged 18 years and over.

I want to find out the results of this study

We will publish a summary of results from this study on this website once the data has been collected and analyzed.  Links to publications resulting from this study will also be made available on the Research Outputs page. Participants are also welcome to join the ARCSHS mailing list to be kept up-to-date with the latest ARCSHS research.

Who is running this study?

This research is conducted by Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. The Research Team conducting this study are Dr Jennifer Power, Dr Andrea Waling, Professor Anne Marie Farrell, Professor Jayne Lucke, Professor Gary Dowsett, Dr Alexandra James, Lily Moore and Nicole Shackleton. This research has received funding from the Australian Research Council DP190102027 and has been granted ethics approval by the La Trobe University Ethics Committee.

How can I find out more? 

If you have any further questions, you can Contact Us at techsexARC@latrobe.edu.au or the Lead Chief Investigator at jennifer.power@latrobe.edu.au.

How can I find out more about ethics? 

If you have a complaint about any part of this study (HEC20130), please contact the Senior Research Ethics Officer at La Trobe University via phone (03 9479 1443) or email (humanethics@lartrobe.edu.au).