We often see couples strolling along crowded streets, on the beach, in the park holding hands with each other. How important is holding hands in a healthy relationship?

Although many people take their relationships for granted, not everyone practices handshake. The New York Post reported on a Japanese invention of the robotic hand, created for single men, that simulated holding a woman's hand. The robot hand is said to squeeze the palm and even secrete moisture to create sweat. The fact that there is a market for romantic robot hands illustrates the importance of keeping hands within the relationship.

Conflict relief

Studying the impact of holding hands on the couple during the conflict, they found some useful results. For men, holding hands during discussion or conflict resulted in improved communication, higher positive impact, and lower heart rate response. For women, this resulted in improved communication but lower positive impact. The researchers found that the impact of holding hands after conflict discussions varied depending on the type of couple studied.

Holding hands reduces stress
 
80 people (40 couples) who either held their spouses by the hand or were alone during a test showing a response to stress were studied. They found that individuals holding hands with their partners showed less reactivity.

Holding hands seems to be beneficial for couples, especially when faced with negative moments. The relaxing effect of holding hands is more likely to end up in resolving conflicts as well as reducing stress.