Couples who frequently watch television together and refrain from talking during the program may experience enhanced relationship satisfaction, according to a study published in the journal Personal Relationships. Researchers tracked 84 couples and found that those who regularly engaged in shared viewing of television series or movies reported feeling closer to their partners.
The study, conducted by researchers from Ben Gurion University in Israel, suggests that shared experiences, such as watching TV together, can increase feelings of closeness and connection. According to the researchers, these shared moments can bolster intimate experiences, including shared laughter, crying, and physical touch. Approximately one-third of the couples surveyed reported frequently enjoying television viewing together.
While the study highlighted the benefits of silent shared viewing, it also noted that discussing a program afterward could further strengthen the bond between partners. Conversely, talking during the program was found to negate the positive effects observed from shared viewing.
Previous research has also indicated that activities like binge-watching television series together can reinforce couples' feelings for each other.