Valentine’s Day: What makes a very good kiss? Here is the psychology behind it | EUROtoday

Scientists have revealed that the standard of a kiss is much less about approach and extra in regards to the “thoughts, fantasies and emotional context we bring to it”.

Researchers at Abertay University challenged the frequent perception that kissing inherently ignites sexual chemistry, as an alternative investigating the profound affect of cognitive and emotional components on kissing behaviours.

Their methodology concerned a web-based survey, the place members from the UK and Italy had been questioned on their attitudes, experiences, and fantasies regarding intimacy and the act of kissing.

They rated what they thought-about to be the hallmarks of a very good kiss, alongside assessing their very own perceived kissing prowess.

The survey additionally gathered knowledge on the frequency of intimate fantasies and particulars concerning their sexual need.

The outcomes confirmed kissing is “far more than a sensory experience”.

The researchers discovered individuals who usually daydream about intimacy have a tendency to position extra significance on contact and arousal when deciding what makes somebody a very good kisser.

This sample held even when the researchers thought-about elements like creativity and sexual need.

They stated this exhibits creativeness, and never simply bodily sensation, performs a key function in how we expertise affection.

Dr Christopher Watkins, senior lecturer within the division of sociological and psychological sciences at Abertay University, stated: “Our findings show that kissing is far more than a sensory experience.

“It’s shaped by the thoughts, fantasies, and emotional context we bring to it.

“Historically, certain strands of research on human sexuality have focused on sensory experiences and how we respond to physical stimulation, but our study highlights how imagination and internal states play an important role in how we interact with a partner when kissing them.

“By examining both the psychological and physical elements, we can better understand why people differ in how they use and appreciate kissing in their relationships, and why a single kiss can feel so meaningful.”

The group stated the examine’s findings might be developed right into a “simple tool” inside {couples} remedy.

Study co-author Milena Rota, who’s now a PhD scholar on the University of Leicester, stated: “By showing how fantasy shapes romantic behaviour, our research offers fresh insight into the role played by our thoughts in how we express ourselves in romantic contexts.

“Our research could be developed further as one simple tool within couples therapy, looking at how fantasy could guide behaviours – in this case a romantic kiss – where frequent kissing has previously shown to be related to higher quality romantic relationships.”

The examine was revealed within the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy.