Science of how physical affection improves health: Sciencealert

In the opening scene of Actually, loveHugh Grant’s character says that whenever he gets pessimistic about the state of the world, he is thinking about the arrival gate at Heathrow Airport.

The reason is on the screen. A couple kisses, an old friend hugs, and watches the children jump into their parents’ arms and laugh and laugh.

Airports are the perfect place to truly understand the importance of physical affection. They may hug, kiss, embrace, hold, hold, or even touch.

However, physical affection is ubiquitous in everyday life. And there’s a good reason. Science shows that non-sexual physical affection produces more than just moments of joy – too advantage Our mental and physical health.

Physical affection is one of them It’s the most direct And an important way for people to communicate intimacy in romantic relationships. And it seems to happen in all romantic relationships worldDespite the intercultural differences in the ideas of love and romance.

People in romantic relationships report more Intimate physical love From Singleton. It also allows your partner to come into contact with more bodies than strangers and friends, making it even more comfortable. For example, most people are comfortable touching them Thighs and abdomen By their partner, but not by others.

Even the way you touch your partner is different from how you touch others. When participants in one study were asked to stroke a partner, friend, stranger, or artificial arm, they did more slowly With their partner. Slower strokes can be more comfortable and experienced; Erotic More than faster strokes. However, even thought It evokes a pleasant, erotic feeling about the physical affection from your partner.

Currently, there is strong evidence that physical contact is associated with better physical and mental health. 1 review 212 studies involving over 13,000 participants found that “touch intervention” – rethinking – massage – physical touch benefits everything from sleep patterns to fatigue and fatigue. Touch interventions were particularly useful in reducing pain, depression and anxiety.

Couple Treatment

Before booking a massage in a hurry, you need to know that the strongest benefits suggest that the most powerful benefits come from physical affection with a romantic partner. Several studies have found that physical affection is related to the scope of couples. Physiological Effects include lowering blood pressure and improving immune response.

In couples, physical affection is also associated with better psychology happiness. One study found that there were couples Sleep state – Snuggle up just before or after sleep – Feeling happy and calm in the mornings makes you more likely to enjoy your partner’s company.

Physical affection – includes Kiss and Love after sex – Also associated with a larger relationship Sexual satisfactionand better evaluation of the overall relationship, which contributes to better psychological health. And even if there is a conflict, I’ll hug It appears to lower the negative mood level among couples.

I’ll hug you more. Because there’s more. When you receive physical affection from your partner, you feel psychologically strong. One study found that women are less active in some of the brain that responds to threats. I’m holding my husband’s hand. Just imagining the touch from your partner can help you motivate yourself Challenging tasks.

Another way to see this is to look into what happens when you lose your physical affection. Research shows that.”Touching deprivation“– Lack of Touch – It is associated with greater symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, loss of love from others during the pandemic It hits many people hard. Between a couple, Lack of physical affection It is associated with reduced relationship satisfaction, stress and loneliness.

There are several ways physical affection can provide these benefits. A loving touch is known to activate Remuneration Center The brain that enhances our mood and promotes a sense of happiness. Touch also stimulates release of Oxytocincan strengthen social ties and increase trust between individuals. Oxytocin is sometimes called a “cuddle chemical.”

Physical affection also reduces stress hormone levels Cortisol Reduces perceived pain that suppresses physiological stress systems. One study found a 10-minute neck and shoulder massage Our partners helped to help reduce cortisol responses and regulate stress levels.

Psychologically, physical affection is an important way in a romantic relationship To keep our emotions under control. Touching your partner in a caring way will improve your mood, make you feel loved, safe and secure. As feelings of Connectiontrust, and attribution are reinforced by non-sexual physical signs of affection, reducing negative effects and improving psychological well-being.

But not everyone likes to be impressed, even if it is due to their romantic partners. Some people say “Touch evasion“- And some people may be worried about being touched in reality.

For example, those with avoidant attachment styles are characterized by the discomfort of emotional intimacy – often very Negative views on hugging And more Hesitant Touch their partner. Conversely, people with an uneasy attachment style may want to be characterized by fear of abandonment – More Touch More than they would receive.

However, if the couple has a similar touch preference, it can lead to greater appeal, Intimacyand commitment to each other. And if you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate non-sexual physical affection into your relationship, consider a home massage. One study found that there were couples I took turns massages I felt deeper connections between each other at home, and felt more relaxed and less stressful.

Viren SwamiProfessor of Social Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University

This article has been republished conversation Under the Creative Commons license. Please read Original article.