Partner intimate touch is associated with increased interpersonal closeness, especially in non-romantic partners

PLoS One. 2021 Mar 10;16(3):e0246065. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246065. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Relationship closeness promotes desirable health outcomes. Most interventions to increase relationship closeness are verbal, which may not suit all couples. We consider whether Orgasmic Meditation (OM), a structured, partnered, largely non-verbal practice that includes genital touch, also increases relationship closeness. We hypothesized that OM would increase feelings of closeness for both romantic and non-romantic partners. This is important, because intimate touch with non-romantic partners is commonly considered deleterious by clinicians, which may inadvertently increase feelings of shame. Dyads (n = 125) reported their feelings of closeness before and after OM. Approximately half of the participants were romantic partners, while the other half only engaged in OM together (non-romantic). Closeness after OM increased on average across participants. Non-romantic dyads increased self-other overlap more than romantic dyads. These data support that a partnered, largely non-verbal practice is associated with increased feelings of closeness in the moment, including for individuals who are not in a romantic relationship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Touch*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by OM Free, a 501(c)3 nonprofit URL: http://www.iomfoundation.org/.