Locking lips with a lustful mindset, hoping for nothing more than sexual intercourse is common among males. Bonding, emotional contact and sentimental value is seen in a kiss through a woman's eyes, according to a recent study from the University at Albany.
Researchers Gordon Gallup Jr., Marissa Harrison and Susan Hughes studied 1,041 college students and discovered men and women view kissing differently. They believe subconscious thinking and evolution play a huge role in kissing.
"Men may be likely to kiss a female partner in public to display their masculinity and show their pride in having a girlfriend," said Bettina J. Casad, Ph.D., an associate psychology professor at Cal Poly. "Women may be more likely to kiss a male partner to keep his attention and affection, even if they do not want to kiss. Women often are thought to seek more nonsexual contact with their partners; thus, light kissing is a display of love and affection and the desire to have an intimate connection."
Although kissing is normal to maintain social bonds, individuals usually do not examine their thoughts of kissing, according to the recent study. Researchers believe one's subconscious kissing acts are biological, as culture derives a kiss as natural contact.
Dr. Glenn Wilson at London's Institute of Psychiatry believes women are more responsible and particular with kissing partners because sexual consequences can result in pregnancy for women. Men do not have to take a majority of this responsibility.
Most women also claim they wouldn't engage in sexual activity if they didn't enjoy kissing their partner. Most men, however, would agree to have sex with a lousy kisser, according to the study.
"I wouldn't kiss some crazy stranger," said Lashanay Reita, a fourth-year engineering student. "It would have to have some kind of emotional connection."
Researchers at the University at Albany claim men initiate kissing before sex and most women will not initiate it. On the other hand, women usually favor kissing following sexual intercourse to ensure a level of commitment and comfort.
The study shows some men view kissing as an emotional connection, however, and not a gateway for sex.
"Kissing during sex is good, but it's definitely better outside the bedroom," said Allen Eubank, a first-year computer science student. "I'm not trying to show off, it's not a pride thing. It's mostly just because I want to. I'd rather kiss whenever I can."
Although kissing is seen differently, the majority of men kiss in hope of sex and most women kiss for emotional bonding time. Although men and women view kissing differently, kissing tends to lead to sexual contact, as it arouses sexual feelings.
"The actual act of kissing is important, as the mouth and tongue are erogenous zones," said Casad. "However, the emotional aspect of kissing is equally, if not more, important. The thoughts that go through one's mind when kissing can be the most important factor in how the kiss is evaluated and its consequences. As many sex researchers say, the mind is the most powerful erogenous zone. "
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