Effects of Romantic Affection on Blood Chemistry and Immune Parameters

This trial tests the hypothesis that increasing nonverbal affection in romantic relationships will improve blood lipid parameters (total cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins, triglycerides), blood glucose, and immune parameters (C-reactive protein and antibodies to latent Epstein-Barr virus). 52 healthy cohabiting romantic couples took part. In half of the couples, one partner increased the frequency of romantic kissing with the other partner during the six-week trial. The other couples received no such instruction. Blood tests performed before and after the trial were used to assess the health outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Stress Dyslipidemias Hypercholesterolemia Hyperlipidemias Lipid Metabolism Disorders Metabolic Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Early Phase 1

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

18+ years of age;
English-speaking;
Current co-habitation with romantic partner

Exclusion criteria

History of hypercholesterolemia;
Current pregnancy;
Current use of blood-thinning agents;
Greater than moderate anxiety about giving capillary blood;
Weight of less than 110 pounds

Treatment and study plan

Romantic kissing

Behavioral

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Arizona State University

Other

Collaborators

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Registry information

Official study title

Study of the Effects of Romantic Affection on Blood Lipids, Blood Glucose, C-Reactive Protein, and Antibodies to Latent Epstein-Barr Virus

Important dates

Study start: 2007
Study completion: 2007
First posted: Jun 5, 2007
Registry last updated: Jun 5, 2007

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed