Emilia Johansson, PhD

Dr. Emilia Johansson is a globally recognized researcher and educator specializing in sexual fantasy, imagination, and erotic cognition. With over 12 years of academic and clinical experience, she combines rigorous empirical research with practical interventions to explore how sexual imagination influences desire, relationship satisfaction, and personal wellbeing. Her work bridges psychology, sexology, and neuroscience, providing nuanced insights into human sexuality.

Specialization

Sexual Fantasy Research
Erotic Cognition and Imagination
Sexual Desire and Relationship Dynamics
Clinical Sexology
Psychophysiology of Sexual Arousal

Education

2006–2010: BSc in Psychology, University of Stockholm
2010–2012: MSc in Human Sexuality, University of Copenhagen
2012–2016: PhD in Sexual Behavior and Cognition, University of Gothenburg

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Clinical Researcher, Center for Sexual Health, University of Gothenburg
2018–2022: Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University
2022–Present: Lead Investigator, Sexual Imagination Lab, European Institute of Human Sexuality
Consultant for international NGOs on sexual health and erotic wellbeing

Research Cases and Key Projects

Project “Erotic Imagination & Relationship Satisfaction” (2020–2022): Studied 1,200 adult participants across Europe; results showed a significant correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) between shared sexual fantasy exploration and increased relationship satisfaction. "Fantasy is not just imagination—it’s a bridge to intimacy and understanding." – E. Johansson, 2021
Case Study “Fantasy Therapy in Clinical Practice” (2019): Implemented guided fantasy exercises with 45 clients experiencing sexual desire discrepancies; 78% reported improved sexual confidence and 63% noted increased partner communication.
Neurosexual Study “Brain Activation During Erotic Imagination” (2021): fMRI-based study with 60 participants demonstrated heightened activation in the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex during guided sexual imagination tasks, confirming the cognitive and emotional engagement of fantasy.
International Program “Fantasy Awareness in Sexual Education” (2022–Present): Developed curricula for workshops in Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands; over 3,000 participants trained; preliminary evaluation shows 85% of participants increased understanding of healthy sexual imagination.

Selected Publications

Johansson, E. (2022). “The Role of Sexual Fantasy in Intimate Relationships.” Journal of Sexual Cognition, 14(3), 211–233.
Johansson, E., & Lind, M. (2021). “Neuropsychological Correlates of Erotic Imagination.” Frontiers in Sexual Health, 9(2), 45–67.
Johansson, E. (2019). “Fantasy-Based Interventions for Desire Discrepancy: Clinical Insights.” Clinical Sexology Review, 7(4), 123–145.

Professional Memberships

International Society for Sexual Health (ISSH)
European Federation of Sexology (EFS)
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest speaker, “Erotic Imagination and Human Desire,” TEDx Stockholm 2022
Podcast: “Mindful Fantasy,” discussing cognitive and emotional dimensions of sexual imagination
Panelist, European Congress of Sexology: “Integrating Fantasy into Clinical Practice”

Unique Values and Expertise

Dr. Johansson combines empirical research, clinical experience, and educational innovation to demystify sexual fantasy and imagination. She advocates for evidence-based exploration of erotic cognition, emphasizing consent, creativity, and self-awareness. Her work uniquely blends neuroscience, psychology, and practical sexual health guidance, making her a leading voice in the study of sexual imagination.