Affectionate communication has long been regarded as important and productive. For example, affection has been considered one of three fundamental human needs (Schutz, 1958). My own work has documented that affectionate communication is indicative of relational commitment and satisfaction (Horan & Booth-Butterfield, 2010) and helps us understand responses to partner transgressions (Horan, 2012). Kory Floyd, of Arizona State, has programmatically studied, and revealed the physiological benefits of affectionate communication. One such study, focused on romantic partner kissing, will be reviewed here.
The goal of Floyd and his colleagues was to understand how increases in the frequency with which romantic partners kissed related to general indicators of stress and well-being. To that end, they studied couples, both married and dating, who lived together full-time. Over a six-week period, half the couples were instructed: “Over the next 6 weeks, we would like you and your spouse or romantic partner to kiss more frequently than you normally do. At first, you might set aside a few minutes each day specifically for kissing. Over time, you will probably find that it becomes a more routine part of how you interact. The point is for the two of you to kiss each other more often and for longer periods of time than you typically do right now” (p. 122). Analyses examined potential differences both between and within groups.
Although a number of factors were examined, key differences were seen with relationship satisfaction, stress, and cholesterol. Specifically, over the six-week period, individuals who increased their frequency of kissing reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Importantly, their physiological assessments of cholesterol, via blood draws, decreased.
The results further underscore the importance of kissing in relationships. Uniquely, cholesterol levels decreased – an important finding given the health complications associated with cholesterol. In fact, numerous recommendations are often offered from healthcare providers to improve cholesterol pertaining to diet and exercise. Findings here suggest that an additional, and fun, behavior in the form of kissing might be added to that list. Thus, the next time you’re stressed, consider making some time for your partner for a potentially productive make-out session.
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Floyd, K., Boren, J. P., Hannawa, A. F., Hesse, C., McEwan, B., & Veksler, A. E. (2009). Kissing in martial and cohabiting relationships: Effects on blood lipids, stress, and relationship satisfaction. Western Journal of Communication, 73, 113-133. doi: 10.1080/10570310902856071
Horan, S. M. (2012). Affection exchange theory and perceptions of relational transgressions. Western Journal of Communication, 76, 109-126. doi: 10.1080/10570314.2011.651548
Horan, S. M., & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2010). Investing in affection: An investigation of affection exchange theory and relational qualities. Communication Quarterly, 58, 394-413. doi: 10.1080/01463373.2010.524876
Schutz, W. (1958). FIRO: A three-dimensional theory of interpersona behavior. New York: Rinehart.