According to new research, sitting down to watch a romantic movie with your partner this Christmas could do wonders for your relationship.
One study found that watching these types of movies reinforces couples’ belief that they share “one true love” and can cope with any difficulty that comes their way.
Previous studies have shown that the more movies or television shows we tune into, the more we incorporate the messages they convey into our daily lives.
In the latest study, researchers at the University of Mississippi wanted to see precisely how frequent viewing of love stories affected the way people viewed their own relationships.
The team questioned 279 married men and women, ages 23 to 77, about a variety of romantic beliefs.
Volunteers were asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements ranging from “The person I love is a perfect romantic partner” to “There can only be one true love for me.”
A study found that watching such films reinforces couples’ belief that they share “one true love” and can cope with any difficulties that may come their way, according to new research (pictured: Andrew Lincoln and Keire Knightley in Love Actually)
So sitting down to watch a festive movie with your partner could do wonders for your relationship this Christmas (pictured: Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon in Love Actually)
The researchers also asked for their opinion on how likely they were to overcome difficult times.
Responses were scored from one (strongly disagree) to seven (strongly agree). The researchers then compared the results to how often the recruits watched movies and shows that presented an idealistic depiction of romance.
The results were published in the journal Psychological Reports.
The researchers said of their findings: “We found that the more participants watched these movies, the greater their belief in the idea that they and their partner are soulmates.”