Psychology Commons^™

Closeness-Inducing Discussions With A Romantic Partner Increase Cortisol And Testosterone, Kristi Chin, Zachary A. Reese, Esra Ascigil, Lester Sim, Robin S. Edelstein

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Despite progress in understanding the social neuroendocrinology of close relationship processes, most work has focused on negative experiences, such as relationship conflict or stress. As a result, much less is known about the neuroendocrine implications of positive, emotionally intimate relationship experiences. In the current study, we randomly assigned 105 dating or married couples to a 30-minute semi-structured discussion task that was designed to elicit either high or low levels of closeness. Participants provided pre- and post-task saliva samples (to assess cortisol and testosterone) and post-task reports of self-disclosure, closeness, attraction, positive and negative affect, and stress. Participants found the discussion …