The Intimate Animal, a new book from Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia

The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love

2025-12-16

(Press-News.org) Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship? How has the digital age affected courtship? And why do some longtime couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? These are just some of the questions Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia explores in his highly anticipated new book, The Intimate Animal.

Drawing on decades of interdisciplinary research in evolutionary biology, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and social science, Dr. Garcia reveals the surprising science behind why we crave connection, why relationships can be so complicated, and how intimacy anchors us in the world. With warmth and clarity, his book explains how humans have evolved to need meaningful relationships, while exploring how modern challenges such as digital dating, shifting social norms, and the loneliness epidemic are impacting our ability to connect today.

Blending rigorous science with real-world relevance, The Intimate Animal shows us we are not prisoners of our drives for sex or love. And the more we understand about the science behind our choices, the better equipped we are to build healthy and happy relationships.

Special Preorder Opportunity

Pre-order a copy of The Intimate Animal by January 26, 2026, to join a special behind-the-scenes conversation with Dr. Garcia answering all YOUR questions about sex and relationships on Thursday, January 29 from 7-8 pm ET. Dr. Garcia will be joined by journalist Nayeema Raza, the creator and host of the podcast Smart Girl Dumb Questions. (A recording will be made available for those unable to attend live.)

Pre-order your copy

Register for the bonus event

About Dr. Justin Garcia

Justin R. Garcia, PhD, is an award-winning evolutionary biologist and recognized international authority on the science of sex and relationships, specializing in modern romance, dating trends, and sexual behavior. He has served as Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute at Indiana University since 2019, where he leads pioneering research and global collaborations. He is widely published in academic journals, serves an advisor for industry partners such as Match, and frequently contributes to major news outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, and the Wall Street Journal.

Praise for The Intimate Animal

As technology fundamentally shifts how we experience intimacy, Garcia brings us back to the animal inside to remind us that even when connection, love, and desire feel elusive, it’s exactly what we’re wired for.

—Esther Perel, psychotherapist, author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, and host of Where Should We Begin?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! So exciting to see a research-based book that gets to the real fundamentals in understanding what it means to be human. This book is a real page-turner — so rare in non-fiction.

—Dr. John Gottman, psychologist, co-founder of The Gottman Institute. and author of Fight Right

The Intimate Animal promises to be the best book on modern mating for the next decade. It is scientifically sound, yet conversational in style — highly accessible and informative to everyone. It’s sure to be a smashing success.

—Dr. David M. Buss, evolutionary psychologist and author of The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating

This book is a revelation — honest, nuanced, and deeply compassionate. Garcia cuts through noise and shame to map how we bond, break, and begin again.

—Lara Love Hardin, founder of True Literary and author of The Many Lives of Mama Love

A brilliant exploration of why we love, connect, and sometimes stray. …Insightful and eye-opening, The Intimate Animal will make you stop, reflect, and say, ‘Oh, that is why I do that.’ A must-read for anyone curious about the deeper forces behind love, sex, and connection.

—Dr. Emily Morse, founder of Sex with Emily and author of Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ & Own Your Pleasure

Publisher Little, Brown Spark

ISBN-13978-0316594035

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The Intimate Animal, a new book from Kinsey Institute Executive Director Dr. Justin Garcia

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