You probably guessed that hugs are good for your health. Now this statement has a scientific basis. In a new study, scientists from the Ruhr University Bochum and the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience not only confirmed the benefits of touch, but were also able to note some features of tactile interaction.
The work is of a review nature and brings together 212 previously conducted studies, in which 12,966 people took part. This made it possible to systematize and organize knowledge in this area, as well as to identify a number of patterns.
The review found that touch can relieve pain and reduce anxiety. Moreover, the positive effect is the same for both children and adults. While the type of touch (from hugging to massage) doesn’t really matter, touch on the head, such as stroking, works best. It has also been proven that short and frequent touches have a greater effect.
Interestingly, the sensation of tactile contact with certain inanimate objects, such as weighted blankets, pillows, even robots, also appears to be beneficial for physical health. But this does not affect psychological health, unlike touch from people or animals.
Newborns especially benefit from their parents’ touch. At the same time, as you age, it becomes less and less important how closely you know a person in order to receive the positive effect of tactile contact.
The meta-analysis revealed general patterns. However, the reaction of individuals to touch is highly individual, as the authors of the study also recalled.
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