Women who embraced their partner subsequently had lower stress-induced cortisol response

Women instructed to embrace their romantic partner prior to undergoing a stressful experience had a lower biological stress response -- as indicated by levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva -- compared to women who did not embrace their partner. This effect was not seen for men.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220518140723.htm