Women of all ages who receive hugs are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships, study shows

Trust, communication, respect, laughter… the list of factors cited as being key to a happy marriage is a long one – but it could all be down to lots of hugs, say scientists.

Women who receive more embraces, cuddles and touches are more likely to be satisfied with their relationship, according to research based on more than 1,000 women aged 18 to 72.

Hugs or just holding hands work, say the researchers, because physical contact boosts women’s body satisfaction.

‘Ours is the first study to show that the physical nature of affectionate touch is a form of communication about one’s body,’ say the scientists writing in the Journal of Sex Research.

‘Recipients see it as a message of positiveness about their body, in part because the affection was placed there.’

Previous research has suggested that around 40 per cent of women are dissatisfied with their bodies.

In the latest study, researchers asked 1,156 women – 75 per cent of whom were married – about how often they experienced affectionate touches, including hugging, hand holding, caressing, massaging, cuddling, and spooning. 

They were also asked about how satisfied they were with their relationship and bodies.

The survey found that women who reported more affectionate touches from their partner had a greater satisfaction with their relationship, and had higher levels of sexual and body satisfaction.

Relationship satisfaction was scored one to five, with the highest score – one or more touches a day – linked to the highest levels of contentment.

The average score was 3.61, suggesting a few times a week.

Hugs or just holding hands work, say the researchers, because physical contact boosts women’s body satisfaction (File photo)

‘The significant link between body satisfaction and relationship outcomes emphasises how a romantic partner’s messaging – both verbal and non-verbal – can impact body image,’ said the researchers from Indiana University and other centres.

‘Affirming messages of body satisfaction – communicated through affectionate touch – may buoy the relationship by providing frequent, positive non-verbal feedback that makes the recipient feel as though they are a valued relationship partner.’

The researchers added: ‘Our results offer possible avenues for bolstering an individual’s sense of comfort with their body by encouraging gentle, voluntary (rather than requested) affirmative touch, such as holding hands or hugging, on a regular basis.’