Much of the research exploring physical affection has examined its importance to relationship maintenance and satisfaction. For example, Gulledge et al. (2003) found that five physical affection behaviors (backrubs/massages, cuddling/holding, hugging, kissing on the lips, and kissing on the face) were positively correlated with relationship and partner satisfaction in a college sample (of unknown sexual orientation). In addition, Bell et al. (1987) found that women’s estimates of their own and their husband’s frequency of physical affection were each positively correlated with the women’s reports of their marital quality. Moreover, in a sample of long-term same-sex and different-sex relationships, Mackey et al. (2000) found a connection between physical affection, such as hugging and touching, and feeling psychologically intimate with one’s partner. These studies have led researchers to conclude that physical affection may be an important contributor to relationships.