How do couples stay happy even after many years of marriage? It’s not easy, but an innovative study from the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, reveals the answer. The research found that while trust, respect, and communication are the cornerstones of a happy marriage, there is another factor that can significantly strengthen a relationship: Public displays of affection.
The researchers discovered that kisses, hugs, and hand-holding in public places not only strengthen the bond between partners but also improve their overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Although this finding may cause discomfort for those who dislike showing affection in public, the results clearly demonstrate the benefits of affectionate behavior in public spaces—even at the cost of slight discomfort for onlookers.
In the study, which included more than 450 participants from Indonesia, Nepal, and Poland, respondents were asked detailed questions about their public and private displays of affection. They were also asked about their negative attitudes and behaviors toward others who engage in public displays of affection.
The analysis revealed fascinating findings: Romantic gestures like hand-holding, kissing, or hugging—both in public and private—were directly linked to increased satisfaction with the relationship. Moreover, these behaviors were also associated with improved mental well-being, reduced stress levels, and greater overall life satisfaction.
The study also revealed interesting cultural differences in attitudes toward public displays of affection. Polish participants reported the highest levels of public affection, while Indonesian participants reported the lowest. This finding highlights the influence of cultural and religious background on romantic behavior patterns across different societies.
As the researchers wrote in the scientific journal PLOS ONE: “In all three countries, positive correlations were observed between displays of affection and relationship satisfaction, highlighting the importance of affectionate behaviors in romantic relationships. Practically, these findings may be beneficial for couples' counselors and suggest that encouraging appropriate expressions of affection can strengthen romantic bonds.”
The study was based on previous research that exposed key gender differences in the realm of affectionate behavior. The researchers referred to earlier studies that found significant differences in how gender shapes a person’s views on public displays of affection.
As they wrote: “Women tend to display affection more frequently than men, while men are more likely to report a lack of affectionate touch and a greater shortage of affection. Although men and women differ in their preferred forms of physical affection—men often prefer kissing, while women prefer hugging—these differences are generally moderate.”
Can a bad marriage kill you? This question receives a clear scientific answer: Unsatisfying relationships are as harmful as smoking, scientists say. This finding underscores how important the quality of a romantic relationship is—not only for personal happiness but also for physical and mental health.