Effects of Romantic Affection on Blood Chemistry and Immune Parameters

Early Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Stress; Hypercholesterolemia

• Registration Number: NCT00482404
• Lead Sponsor: Arizona State University

Brief Summary

This trial tests the hypothesis that increasing nonverbal affection in romantic relationships will improve blood lipid parameters (total cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins, triglycerides), blood glucose, and immune parameters (C-reactive protein and antibodies to latent Epstein-Barr virus). 52 healthy cohabiting romantic couples took part. In half of the couples, one partner increased the frequency of romantic kissing with the other partner during the six-week trial. The other couples received no such instruction. Blood tests performed before and after the trial were used to assess the health outcomes.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-02
• Study Completion: 2007-05
• Status Verified: 2007-06
• Study First Submitted: 2007-06-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-06-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2007-06-04
• Study First Posted: 2007-06-05
• Last Update Posted: 2007-06-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: Not specified

Inclusion Criteria

• 18+ years of age;
• English-speaking;
• Current co-habitation with romantic partner

Exclusion Criteria

• History of hypercholesterolemia;
• Current pregnancy;
• Current use of blood-thinning agents;
• Greater than moderate anxiety about giving capillary blood;
• Weight of less than 110 pounds

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL