The Effects of Cuddling on Relational Quality for Married Couples: A Longitudinal Investigation

This study examined the longitudinal effects of cuddling on relational quality for married couples. In a four-week experiment, 80 adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: increased cuddling (treatment), increased time spent together (comparison), or no change in behavior (control). Controlling for the pretest relational quality scores and changes in kissing behavior, individuals in the treatment condition reported more relational satisfaction and lower quality of alternatives after four weeks than did individuals in the comparison and control conditions. The comparison and control conditions did not differ from each other on any relational outcomes.

Automated summary

Increasing cuddling can improve marital satisfaction and lower evaluations of alternative options, while spending more time together did not show the same effects.