Spank for a happy relationship!

New Scientist, always on the raw, throbbing edge of behavioral science, reveals the heartwarming findings about the couple that spanks together:

SPANKING is stressful at first, but it could bring consenting couples closer together. That’s the implication of two studies of hormonal changes associated with sadomasochistic (S&M) activities including spanking, bondage and flogging.

…In both studies, couples who said the party went well also reported increases in relationship closeness (Archives of Sexual Behavior, DOI: 10.1007/s10508-008-9374-5).

Researchers tracked cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and testosterone, which is implicated in sexual desire, aggression and all kinds of behavioral stuff. Whatever’s going on, it has a physiological effect on our relationships.

I feel like I should say, “Just use a safe-word, folks,” but that’d make me seem like a total poser.

Tags: anthropology, psychology