Sex differences in romantic kissing among college students: An evolutionary perspective

From the book : Evolutionary Psychology 5 issue 3 : 612-631.
This study provides a descriptive account of kissing behavior in a large sample of undergraduate college students and considers kissing in the context of both short-term and long-term mating relationships.
Kissing was examined as a mate assessment device, a means of promoting pair bonds, and a means of inducing sexual arousal and receptivity.
A total 1,041 college students completed one of three questionnaires measuring kissing preferences, attitudes, styles, and behaviors.
Results showed that females place more importance on kissing as a mate assessment device and as a means of initiating, maintaining, and monitoring the current status of their relationship with a long-term partner.
In contrast, males place less importance on kissing, especially with short-term partners, and appear to use kissing to increase the likelihood of having sex.
The results suggest that kissing may play an important role as an adaptive courtship/mating ritual.