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While play and playfulness have been studied well in children, their structure and consequences are understudied in adults. A new article published in
Social and Personality Psychology Compass highlights available research on this topic and also examines why playfulness is important in romantic relationships.
The authors note that playfulness encourages the experience of positive emotions and might relate to potential biological processes--such as the activation of hormones and certain brain circuits. It also influences how people communicate and interact with each other, for example by helping to deal with stress, and solving interpersonal tension. These can all impact relationship satisfaction and trust, ultimately affecting the longevity of relationships.