A new study by the University of Amsterdam has found that holding hands during an argument can significantly improve communication and outcomes. The researchers had 100 heterosexual couples discuss a topic of disagreement while monitoring their heart rates and communication. The study found holding hands had several positive effects, including physiologically calmer, positive attitude, and decreased communication. For women, holding hands did not significantly impact their reactivity or negatively respond to each other. However, the communication improved, suggesting that the intimacy of holding hands makes it harder to discuss matters harshly. The research also found that touch encourages trust, cooperation, security, and connectedness, which can help keep an argument from escalating.