Hugs can soothe anxiety, pain, and depression; science confirms
A recent comprehensive study has underscored the significant role of physical touch in promoting mental and physical health. The research, a joint effort between teams from Germany and the Netherlands, previously analyzed data from over 200 related studies. Now, a fresh study has come to light, offering more insights on the same. Published in the journal Nature Human Behavior on April 8, 2024, this study concluded that touch can effectively alleviate pain, depression, and anxiety.
Touch therapy: Beyond human and animal contact
The study found that physical comfort can be derived not only from human or animal touch but also from inanimate objects like weighted blankets. However, for mental well-being, the touch of a living being appears to be crucial. The data was examined from more than 130 international studies involving around 10,000 participants. This finding broadens the understanding of the therapeutic potential of touch.
The science behind the healing power of touch
Researchers combined the findings from all these studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the beneficial aspects of touch. Dr. Julian Packheiser from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at Ruhr University Bochum stated that despite many studies, it remains unclear how to use touch optimally, what effects can be expected specifically, and what the influencing factors are. This extensive meta-analysis has provided clarity on these aspects.
Touch therapy: Effective across all ages
The healing power of touch extends to infants as well, according to the study. Dr. Helena Hartmann from the University of Duisburg-Essen emphasized that in the case of infants, it's important that it is the parents who administer the touch. Their touch is more effective than that of a care professional, she adds. However, for adults, no significant difference was found between familiar people and nursing professionals administering touch.
The importance of consent in touch therapy
While the research promotes increased physical contact as a way to enhance overall health, it also emphasizes that all touches should be consensual. Individual responses to touch may vary, and this large-scale analysis suggests that simple gestures like offering a hug can be a potent health intervention. This highlights the need for understanding and respecting personal boundaries in touch therapy.
