Studies indicate that people in close romantic relationships enjoy better health and longer lifespans, but the decisive factor is the quality of the relationship. The more positive and supportive interactions between partners, the greater the positive impact on the immune system and overall health.
Physical contact, such as hugging or holding hands, is an effective way to reduce stress, as affectionate touch lowers cortisol levels and stimulates the release of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," which promotes positive feelings and relieves stress.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry showed that combining oxytocin, physical contact, and positive social interactions with a partner can accelerate wound healing and reduce stress levels.
The researchers found that oxytocin alone, behavioral intervention, or daily intimacy alone were not sufficient to produce this effect; rather, improvement only appeared when these factors interacted together.
The results indicate that oxytocin acts as a biological amplifier of positive social interactions, reflecting its positive effect on physical health by accelerating healing and reducing stress, thus opening the door to treatments that combine hormonal therapies with enhancing the quality of interpersonal relationships.
