PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Researchers at Arizona State University decided studied affectionate behavior and its relationship to stress — or affectionate exchange theory.
They studied 52 people who were married or cohabitating in monogamous romantic relationships and split them into two groups. One group was given instructions to increase romantic kissing and the other was given no instructions at all.
Those instructed to increase the romance had less stress, greater relationship satisfaction and less serum cholesterol, or the amount of total cholesterol in their blood.
Some good news for those who love to hug on this Valentine's Day: A study at Sam Houston State University found hugging reduces inflammation which is great for the heart.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
