Pedro Lacerda Martins, PhD

Dr. Pedro Lacerda Martins is a leading researcher and educator specializing in sexual fantasy, imagination, and human erotic psychology. With over 12 years of academic and clinical experience, he has pioneered studies on the role of fantasy in sexual wellbeing, desire modulation, and relational satisfaction. His work bridges rigorous empirical research with practical insights for therapists, educators, and individuals seeking to understand sexual cognition.

Specialization

Sexual Fantasy Research
Erotic Imagination & Cognition
Sexual Desire & Relationship Psychology
Therapeutic Interventions for Sexual Health
Quantitative & Qualitative Sexual Behavior Studies

Education

2005–2009: BSc in Psychology, University of Lisbon
2009–2011: MSc in Clinical Psychology, University of Porto
2011–2015: PhD in Sexual Health & Human Sexuality, University of Barcelona

Professional Experience

2015–2018: Research Fellow, Sexual Health Lab, University of Barcelona
2018–2022: Senior Lecturer in Human Sexuality, University of Lisbon
2022–Present: Director of Erotic Cognition Research, Instituto de Estudos Sexuais, Portugal
Consultant for European NGOs on sexual wellbeing and fantasy-informed therapy

Selected Research Cases & Projects

Project: "Mapping Erotic Fantasy Patterns in Adults" (2020–2022) Result: Surveyed over 2,000 adults across Europe, revealing that 78% reported consistent sexual fantasies impacting arousal and relational satisfaction. “Our findings highlight the diversity and adaptive role of fantasy in adult sexuality.” – Martins et al., 2022
Project: "Fantasy-Based Interventions in Therapy" (2018–2021) Result: Implemented structured fantasy exercises in clinical settings, improving sexual satisfaction scores by 25% in patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. “Guided erotic imagination can be a transformative tool in therapeutic practice.” – Martins, 2021
Project: "Digital Erotic Narratives and Cognitive Arousal" (2019) Result: Demonstrated that exposure to personalized erotic narratives enhanced arousal and intimacy perception, supporting the use of tailored sexual content for therapy and education.

Selected Publications

Martins, P., et al. (2022). "Erotic Imagination and Sexual Wellbeing: A European Survey." Journal of Sexual Research, 59(6), 701–719.
Martins, P. (2021). "Therapeutic Applications of Sexual Fantasy." International Journal of Sex Therapy, 43(4), 305–322.
Martins, P., & Silva, R. (2019). "Digital Erotica and Cognitive Sexual Response." Sexuality & Culture, 23(2), 415–432.

Professional Memberships

European Federation of Sexology (EFS)
International Society for Sexual Health (ISSH)
World Association for Sexual Health (WAS)

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Keynote Speaker: European Conference on Human Sexuality (2021, 2023)
Guest Expert on "Erotic Mind Podcast" – Topic: Fantasy and Relational Desire (2022)
TEDxLisbon Talk: "The Power of Erotic Imagination" (2020)

Unique Values and Experience

Pedro Martins integrates cutting-edge research with practical applications, combining psychometric analysis, case-based therapy, and digital interventions. His unique contribution lies in bridging sexual fantasy research with real-world strategies to enhance desire, intimacy, and sexual wellbeing.