'To give is better than to receive?' Couples massage significantly benefits both partners' wellbeing. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naruse, Sayuri M; Cornelissen, Piers L; Moss, Mark
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 10/11(2020)
• Page Start: 1576
• Page End: 1586
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: couples -- emotional stress -- health behaviour -- massage -- mental clarity -- wellbeing; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105318763502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of 'giving' and 'receiving' massage on wellbeing in healthy but stressed couples. Forty-two volunteers started the study and of these, 38 (i.e. 19 couples) completed a 3-week massage course. Emotional stress and mental clarity were assessed before and after mutual massage between each pair of adults belonging to a couple at home. While massage benefitted both parties' wellbeing within a session, critically we found no differences in wellbeing between those 'giving' and 'receiving' massage. These novel findings suggest that home-based massage may be advocated to couples as a 'selves-care', health-promoting behaviour.