Romantic support refers to the ways that individuals express their love for one another through nonsexual acts. This can include acts such as holding hands, cuddling, kissing, hugging, and massage. These activities are thought to foster emotional closeness between partners and build up trust. Studies have shown that they also help individuals feel more secure and confident, making them less vulnerable to stressful situations. One study found that women who received regular romantic support from their partner were better able to cope with difficult experiences than those who did not. Another study showed that men who received frequent hugs from their wives had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) after stressful tasks. Researchers believe that these findings suggest that romantic support may mediate the relationship between sex and emotional resilience. That is, individuals who engage in romantic behaviors outside of sexual activity may be more emotionally resilient.
Further research has suggested that different forms of romantic support may have different effects on emotional resilience.
One study found that women who regularly engaged in nonsexual touching behaviors with their partner reported higher levels of emotional well-being than those who did not. Another study found that couples who frequently talked about their feelings together reported greater satisfaction with their relationships than those who did not. The researchers suggest that these results reflect the importance of maintaining a strong emotional connection with one's partner over time.
It appears that romantic support plays an important role in promoting emotional health. Individuals who engage in romantic acts outside of sexual activity may be better equipped to deal with life's challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms through which this happens.
It is unclear whether the effects of romantic support are independent of other factors such as relationship quality or socioeconomic status. Future studies should investigate these questions to help us better understand how to promote emotional resilience in intimate relationships.
How do forms of romantic support mediate the relationship between sexual activity and emotional resilience?
The level of romantic support received from one's partner is found to be associated with increased levels of emotional resilience. Romantic support can take various forms such as verbal encouragement, emotional validation, physical affection, and practical assistance. Increased levels of romantic support can help individuals cope better with negative life events and build their resiliency against stressors.