Scientists have discovered that a good kiss depends more on imagination than physical sensation. New research from Abertay University reveals that thoughts, fantasies and emotional context shape kissing quality far more significantly than the physical act itself – challenging long-held assumptions about intimate experiences.
The study, published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy, surveyed participants in the UK and Italy about their attitudes, experiences and fantasies related to intimacy and kissing. Researchers found that individuals who frequently daydream about intimacy tend to prioritize contact and arousal when evaluating a good kisser, even when accounting for creativity and sexual desire.
Dr Christopher Watkins, who led the research at Abertay University's department of sociological and psychological sciences, explained the significance: «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.» He noted that while certain strands of research on human sexuality have focused on sensory experiences and physical stimulation, «our study highlights how imagination and internal states play an important role in how we interact with a partner when kissing them.»
Potential for couples therapy
Study co-author Milena Rota, a PhD student at the University of Leicester, emphasized the practical applications. «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,» she said.
The research could be developed into a tool for couples therapy. «Our research could be developed further as one simple tool within couples therapy, looking at how fantasy could guide behaviours,» Rota explained. This approach is particularly relevant since frequent kissing has previously been linked to higher quality romantic relationships.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
