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Touch, often regarded as a fundamental aspect of human connection, has long been recognized for its comforting and soothing effects. Now, a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience sheds light on the profound ways in which consensual touch can positively impact both physical and mental health.
The study, led by the Social Brain Lab at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in collaboration with the University Hospital Essen, undertook a large-scale analysis of existing studies to explore the effects of touch interventions. The findings, published in a recent report, provide compelling evidence of the significant benefits of touch on overall wellbeing.
Contrary to common belief, touch interventions were found to substantially improve physical and mental health, including the reduction of pain, anxiety, depression, and stress in adults. Moreover, individuals with preexisting physical or mental health conditions derived even greater benefits from touch, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention.
Lead researcher Packheiser emphasizes the importance of recognizing touch interventions as a valuable form of support, particularly for those in need. The study’s findings challenge conventional notions about the efficacy of touch, revealing that factors such as the duration and source of touch do not significantly impact its effectiveness. Instead, the frequency of touch interventions emerged as a crucial determinant of their impact, with more frequent interventions yielding greater benefits.
One intriguing aspect of the study was the exploration of non-human touch interventions, including interactions with objects or robots. Surprisingly, these interventions were found to be equally effective in improving physical wellbeing. However, human touch remained superior in promoting mental wellbeing, underscoring the importance of emotional connection in touch interactions.
While the study offers valuable insights into the benefits of touch across different age groups, including newborns, adolescents, and adults, researchers note a notable gap in research pertaining to touch interventions for children and teenagers. The findings underscore the need for further exploration in this area, as well as in specific clinical settings such as autism.
Overall, the study highlights the transformative potential of touch interventions in promoting holistic wellbeing and underscores the importance of incorporating touch-based therapies into healthcare practices. As lead author Frédéric Michon explains, “These results indicate that touch interventions, whether human or non-human, have the potential to provide invaluable support for individuals’ physical and mental health, offering a promising avenue for improving overall wellbeing.”
