If You Love Warm, Affectionate Hugs, It Might Be Because You’re A Woman. A Study Reveals That Affection Is In Women’s Genes

If You Love Warm, Affectionate Hugs, It Might Be Because You’re A Woman. A Study Reveals That Affection Is In Women’s Genes

How many times has it happened that you’re in bed with your partner, all ready to fall asleep but before you do, you wouldn’t mind a few snuggles and cuddles, except your man is already snoring so that’s a no go? Or, how often do you find yourself reaching out for a hug in a way of greeting, while your friend’s instinct is to go for a high-five, so now you’ve gone in for an awkward high-five-ish hug? If you’re the kind that loves to crush loved ones in a bear hug, it probably has something to do wiht your gender. A study has shown how women are genetically born more affectionate than men.

According to a recent study published by Communication Monographs, which was led by Kory Floyd, a professor in the University Arizona Department of Communication in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, it has come to light that while the level of affection shown by women can be determined based on the genetics and their environment but the same cannot be said for men.

The study said, “When we measure people’s tendency to be affectionate and to receive affection from other people, almost without exception we find that women score higher than men.” It further explained how in women, 45% of variability in their affectionate behavior could be explained by their genes, while environmental influences such as the media, personal relationships and other unique life experiences explain 55% of the variability.

However he also explained that, “Our genes simply predispose us to certain kinds of behaviours; that doesn’t automatically mean we’re going to engage in those behaviours. And it certainly doesn’t mean that we have no control over them.”

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Where as in men, the genes don’t play any role, at all. It showed that men’s levels of affectionate behaviour were solely influenced by environmental factors,  so how they were brought up, if they were allowed to express love etc. all comes into play.

https://twitter.com/KoryFloyd/status/1270513143144300545

Floyd explained, “The trait of being affectionate may be more adaptive for women in an evolutionary sense. There is some speculation that affectionate behavior is more health-supportive for women than it is for men, and that it helps women to manage the effects of stress more than it does for men. That may be partly why women are more likely than men to inherit the tendency to behave that way rather than that tendency simply being a product of their environment.”

Talking in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, he also said, “It’s not just “huggers” who crave regular affection. We all are wired to need a human touch. People who live alone or who are limiting social interactions during the pandemic may experience what’s referred to as ‘skin hunger’.” One that we’ve been feeling for months now, owing to this lockdown that has us almost refusing physical touch altogether. I do love myself some cuddles and now I’m going to say it’s because I am a woman.

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Sadhika Sehgal

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