Go Back Original Article January, 2019

Kissing, Cuddling, and Massage at Most Recent Sexual Event: Findings From a U.S. Nationally Representative Probability Sample

Author Brian Dodge Author James Dennis Fortenberry Author Michael Reece Author Debby Herbenick Author Tsung‑chieh Fu Author Elizabeth Bartelt Author Christopher Owens

Abstract

Using data from the 2014 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a probability survey of Americans aged 14+, we assessed the prevalence and correlates of kissing, cuddling, and massage during 1,493 individuals’ most recent sexual event from the past year. Most respondents reported kissing (87%) and cuddling (70%); fewer (23%) reported massage. Each was significantly associated with age, education, and relationship structure. Respondents younger than 30 were significantly more likely to indicate they did not kiss because kissing would have been too intimate with their partner. Only cuddling was significantly associated with event-level emotional intimacy and sexual pleasure.

Keywords

affectionate touch non-penetrative intimacy physical affection sexual satisfaction emotional intimacy foreplay sensual touch romantic behaviors relationship dynamics partner bonding intimate communication love languages sexual connection oxytocin release sexual context gender differences in intimacy erotic touch relationship quality sexual event analysis u.s. sexual behavior trends kissing cuddling
Details
Volume 45
Issue 2
Pages 159-172
DOI 10.1080/0092623X.2018.1494648
ISSN 1521-0715
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