Scientific Studies in Intimacy
 
By Robert Epstein
 
Dozens of scientific studies illuminate how people fall in love-and hint at techniques for building strong relationships. Here are 10 kinds of investigations that are helping to inspire a new technology of love.
 
1 Arousal. Studies by researchers such as psychologist Arthur Aron of Stony Brook University show that people tend to bond emotionally when aroused, say, through exercise, adventures or exposure to dangerous situations. Roller coaster, anyone?
 
2 Proximity and familiarity. Studies by Stanford University social psychologists Leon Festinger and Robert Zajonc and others conclude that simply being around someone tends to produce positive feelings. When two people consciously and deliberately allow each other to invade their personal space, feelings of intimacy can grow quickly.
 
3 Similarity. Opposites sometimes attract, but research by behavioral economist Dan Ariely of Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and others shows that people usually tend to pair off with those who are similar to themselves-in intelligence, background and level of attractiveness. Some research even suggests that merely imitating someone can increase closeness.
 
4 Humor. Marriage counselors and researchers Jeanette and Robert Lauer showed in 1986 that in long-term, happy relationships, partners make each other laugh a lot. Other research reveals that women often seek male partners who can make them laugh-possibly because when we are laughing, we feel vulnerable. Know any good jokes?
 
5 Novelty. Psychologist Greg Strong of Florida State University, Aron and others have shown that people tend to grow closer when they are doing something new. Novelty heightens the senses and also makes people feel vulnerable.
 
6 Inhibitions. Countless millions of relationships have probably started with a glass of wine. Inhibitions block feelings of vulnerability, so lowering inhibitions can indeed help people bond. Getting drunk, however, is blinding and debilitating.
 
7 Kindness, accommodation and forgiveness. A variety of studies confirm that we tend to bond to people who are kind, sensitive and thoughtful. Feelings of love can emerge especially quickly when someone deliberately changes his or her behavior-say, by giving up smoking or drinking-to accommodate our needs. Forgiveness often causes mutual bonding, because when one forgives, one shows vulnerability.
 
8 Touch and sexuality. The simplest touch can produce warm, positive feelings, and a backrub can work wonders. Even getting very near someone without actually touching can have an effect. Studies by social psychologist Susan Sprecher of Illinois State University, among others, also show that sexuality can make people feel closer emotionally, especially for women. There is danger here, however: confusing sexual attraction with feelings of love. You cannot love someone without knowing him or her, and attraction blinds people to important characteristics of their partner.
 
9 Self-disclosure. Research by Aron, Sprecher and others indicates that people tend to bond when they share secrets with each other. Once again, the key here is  allowing oneself to be vulnerable.
 
10 Commitment. We are not that good at honoring our relationship commitments in the U.S., but studies by researchers such as psychologist Ximena Arriaga of  Purdue University suggest that commitment is an essential element in building love. People whose commitments are shaky interpret their partners' behavior more negatively, for one thing, and that can be deadly over time.

 

Covenant marriage- currently a legal option only in Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana- is a new kind of marriage (emerging from the evangelical Christian movement) involving a very strong commitment: couples agree to premarital counseling and limited grounds for divorce. Conventional marriage that exists in America can be abandoned easily, even without specific legal cause (the so-called no-fault divorce).
 
(The Author)
ROBERT EPSTEIN is a contributing editor for Scientific American Mind and former editor in chief of Psychology Today. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University and is a longtime researcher and professor. He is currently working on a book called Making Love: How People Learn to Love and How You Can Too (www.MakingLoveBook.com). Visit his website for more information.
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