New research suggests that public displays of affection (PDAs) are strongly linked to higher-quality romantic relationships. The study, published in the journal Plos One, examined 461 individuals in Poland, Nepal, and Indonesia.
Despite varying societal attitudes towards PDAs in these countries, subjects who engaged in more public displays of affection consistently reported higher relationship satisfaction. Dagna Kocur, the study leader, stated that affectionate behaviour is a way people communicate closeness, love, and emotional connection.
The research also indicated that private displays of affection are even more strongly linked to relationship satisfaction. A further study is planned to include 1,000 people across nine countries.