PDA Myths Debunked: Too Much Public Display of Affection Can Be a Sign of Attachment Insecurity, Expert Says

Public display of affection (PDA) received mixed responses from the public. Celebrities packing on the PDA like Travis Barker, Kourtney Kardashian, and Machine Gun Kelly, and Megan Fox usually draw bad press.

American psychologist Mark Travers penned an article published in Forbes debunking three myths about PDAs.

More PDA Equals Happier Relationship

It may not be totally realistic to assume that excessive public shows of affection are a good indicator of a couple's happiness. While physical touch is a clear sign of a relationship's love and comfort, it is not the only deciding element.

Particularly among young people, excessive public shows of affection can have hidden motivations. For many couples, constant physical contact serves two goals.

First, it sends the idea that they are seriously committed to one another, especially in the beginning. According to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, some women experience less affection after marriage as the value of the wedding band takes over. In other words, since the courtship has been effective, males might no longer feel the need for extensive PDA.

Second, excessive public shows of affection may indicate attachment instability and may be an attempt to cover up underlying relationship worries. It could reportedly mean attachment insecurity and fears within the relationship.

Thus, the frequency of PDA doesn't measure the quality of the relationship.

The Absence of PDA Means There's No Love

Many people also think a relationship should be considered suspicious if no outward evidence of affection exists. However, the difficulty with declaring one's love in public may stem from factors other than a lack of love and may have more to do with the individual.

The expert noted that some couples may not engage in PDA for two reasons: upbringing and personal preference.

Our early experiences significantly influence our beliefs and tastes in romantic relationships. People may feel less likely to indulge in PDA if they grew up in families where touch or public affection was not valued or discouraged.

According to study findings in the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, PDA discomfort is more common among kids from broken homes with many conflicts. PDA participation can be a matter of personal preference. Some couples might choose to show affection to one another secretly rather than publicly. Each individual has a special style of delivering and receiving love.

ALSO READ: Giving Up Sleep for More Sex Is Killing Endangered Male Northern Quoll [Study]

Avoiding PDA Means You're Away From Public Scrutiny

According to research, couples frequently refrain from making physical contact in front of others out of concern for how they will be seen. Due to the risks of social stigma, minority groups like same-sex or multiracial couples may not feel at ease with an open proclamation of their relationships and instead choose to be more cautious.

Another study suggested that women in same-sex relationships experience greater unease around public displays of affection than women in heterosexual partnerships.

In these situations, a basic human propensity may be at work: we are predisposed to internalize social stigma to protect ourselves from it. We restrain ourselves from engaging in activities that could ultimately make us happy and censor ourselves.

RELATED ARTICLE: Bringing 'Positive Psychology' Into the Workplace

Check out more news and information on Psychology in Science Times.