“
A primary result is the release of a substance called
oxytocin, a hormone involved in the reduction of
stress, developing intimacy, and social bonding.
up to 78% of the time. Other
studies by Hertenstein have found
similar results in cultures outside of
North America. This may suggest
that we are biologically primed
to send and receive messages
regarding emotions through the
act of touch. To quote Hertenstein,
“…it seems…that touch is a much
more nuanced, sophisticated,
and precise way to communicate
emotions.”. By restricting touch,
we may then ultimately restrict
the overall effectiveness of our
communication with others.
One of the issues complicating
the study of touch, and thus
perhaps what it has taken so long
”
to begin to look at it as a viable
experimental topic, is the fact that
by its nature, touch is a multimodal
experience. There is not only the
tactile pressure from the touch,
but also the warmth that occurs
along with a variety of visual and
auditory cues frequently as well
as other sensory input. Cultural
factors will also play a role in the
perception of touch. As with any
topic of research, there are many
factors to explore and with touch,
each of these factors are influential
in their own right.
In exploring the physical responses
to touch, it becomes apparent that
touch has tremendous potential
to provide mental health benefits.
The reduction of stress can have
a stabilizing effect on fear and
anxiety.
Physiologically,
these
responses are nearly identical.
In fact, we are biologically
programmed to have this response.
Our ancestors, millennia ago,
were those who were quick to
experience the fight, flight, or freeze
response to a possible danger.
Those who stood by scratching