Research shows that women of all ages who receive hugs are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships
- Women who get more hugs are happier in relationships, research says
Trust, communication, respect, laughter… the list of factors cited as key to a happy marriage is long, but it could all be down to lots of cuddles, scientists say.
Women who receive more hugs, cuddles and touches are more likely to be satisfied with their relationship, according to research based on more than 1,000 women between the ages of 18 and 72.
Hugs or simply holding hands work, the researchers say, because physical contact increases women’s body satisfaction.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate that the physical nature of loving touch is a form of communication about the body,” the scientists write in the Journal of Sex Research.
“Recipients see it as a positive message about their bodies, in part because the affection is placed there.”
Women who receive more hugs, cuddles and touches are more likely to be satisfied with their relationship (file photo)
Previous research shows that about 40 percent of women are dissatisfied with their bodies.
In the latest study, researchers asked 1,156 women – 75 percent of whom were married – how often they experienced loving touch, such as hugging, holding hands, caressing, massaging, hugging and spooning.
They were also asked how satisfied they were with their relationship and body.
The study found that women who reported more loving touch from their partner had greater satisfaction with their relationship and had higher levels of sexual and physical satisfaction.
Relationship satisfaction was scored from one to five, with the highest score – one or more touches per day – associated with the highest level of satisfaction.
The average score was 3.61, indicating a few times a week.
Hugs or just holding hands work, researchers say, because physical contact increases women’s body satisfaction (file photo)
“The significant link between body satisfaction and relationship outcomes highlights how a romantic partner’s message – both verbal and nonverbal – can influence body image,” said the researchers from Indiana University and other centers.
“Affirmative messages about body satisfaction – communicated through loving touch – can strengthen the relationship by providing frequent, positive nonverbal feedback that makes the recipient feel like he or she is a valued relationship partner.”
The researchers added: ‘Our results offer potential opportunities to enhance an individual’s sense of comfort with their body by encouraging gentle, voluntary (rather than solicited) affirmative touch, such as holding hands or hugging, on a regular basis. ‘