Quickie: Can Hugs From Your Partner Keep You Healthy?
Study shows an embrace may be the cure for the common cold
When you’re having a bad day, falling into your partner’s arms for a nice, warm hug can make you feel like all your problems are melting away. And according to a study in Psychological Science, regular hugs may also be the prescription for keeping you healthy.
In a study led by Sheldon Cohen, researchers examined the extent to which hugs can protect people from infections thanks to the wellness boost provided by this form of social support, particularly in the face of conflict people have been exposed to.
“People who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety.”
“We know that people experiencing ongoing conflicts with others are less able to fight off cold viruses. We also know that people who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety,” Cohen explained. “We tested whether perceptions of social support are equally effective in protecting us from stress-induced susceptibility to infection and also whether…
