Sex differences in romantic kissing among college students: An evolutionary perspective

Hughes, Susan M.; Harrison, Marissa A.; Gallup, Gordon G.

Original article:

Sex differences in romantic kissing among college students: An evolutionary perspective

Evolutionary Psychology 5(3): 612-631 Susan M. Hughes, Department of Psychology, Albright College, Reading, PA 19612, USA, shughes@alb.eduMarissa A. Harrison, Department of Social Sciences and Human Services, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10007, USAGordon G. Gallup, Jr., Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA

Abstract

This study provides a descriptive account of kissing behavior in a large sample of undergraduate college students and considers kissing in the context of both short-term and long-term mating relationships. Kissing was examined as a mate assessment device, a means of promoting pair bonds, and a means of inducing sexual arousal and receptivity. A total 1,041 college students completed one of three questionnaires measuring kissing preferences, attitudes, styles, and behaviors. Results showed that females place more importance on kissing as a mate assessment device and as a means of initiating, maintaining, and monitoring the current status of their relationship with a long-term partner. In contrast, males place less importance on kissing, especially with short-term partners, and appear to use kissing to increase the likelihood of having sex. The results suggest that kissing may play an important role as an adaptive courtship/mating ritual.

Keywords

kissing, sex differences, sexual behavior, pair bonding, mate assessment

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