Need a hug? Social distancing could increase anxiety from a lack of intimate touch

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-09-08 09:01

International

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Intimate touch deprivation during COVID-19-related restrictions is associated with higher anxiety and greater loneliness, even though this type of touch is still the most experienced during the pandemic according to international research. The team surveyed 1746 people to examine intimate, friendly, and professional touch experiences during COVID-19 restrictions, to assess the impact on mental health and the extent that touch deprivation would result in a craving for touch. They found that participants who experienced more intimate touch (but not friendly or professional) in the week prior to the survey had lower self-reported anxiety levels and feelings of loneliness. The researchers emphasise the important role of interpersonal and intimate touch in times of distress, such as during the pandemic.

Media release

From: The Royal Society

Social touch deprivation during COVID-19: effects on psychological wellbeing and craving interpersonal touch

Royal Society Open Science

In this unique situation of pandemia, most individuals experience social isolation and distress. While previous work suggests that touch can buffer feelings of social isolation, interpersonal touch experience has been affected due to distancing policies. We conducted an online-study during the first lockdown period to examine touch experiences during COVID-19, their impact on mental health and craving touch. Results highlight that intimate touch deprivation during COVID-19 is associated with higher anxiety and greater loneliness, and is reported as the type of touch the most craved. These findings point to the important role of interpersonal and particularly intimate touch in times of distress.

Journal/
conference: Royal Society Open Science

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of London, UK

Funder: This work was supported by a European Research Council Consolidator Award (ERC-2018-COG-818070) (to A.F.).

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