In particular, an assistant psychology professor at Albright College in Reading says the desires of the men and the women doing the kissing may be worlds apart.
Dr. Susan Hughes is co-author of a study on the subject with researchers at the State University of New York at Albany. They say kissers may be subconsciously sizing up breath, taste, and stimulating pheromone scents.
But Hughes says men are more likely to believe kissing will lead to sex. Meanwhile women kiss more to evaluate the likelihood of a long-term romantic relationship. She says this may relate to a tendency for men to seek more romantic partners while women look for the right partner.
Considering the intense interest, Hughes says, "I think its surprising that there is not more research in this field."
