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Science

The Power of Gentle Touch

April 1, 2022

Touch shapes us as humans. Indeed, touch is fundamental to what makes us social beings. Touch influences how we perceive stress and pain, who we trust and who we fear.

https://p.dw.com/p/48dgp
Symbolbild | Beziehungen
Image: Photoshot/picture alliance

How does this work? And what happens to us in the absence of touch?

Symbolbild Vater mit Baby
Image: picture-alliance/Bildagentur-online/Tetra Images

Gentle touch is vital for us humans. It creates the first contact with the world for newborns, giving us a sense of security and belonging. Touch influences our immune system, and on our feelings for our fellow human beings. Especially strong feelings, such as love or compassion, can be better conveyed through touch than through words, facial expressions or gestures.

Tastsinn
Image: WDR

Given how important touch is, it’s no surprise that humans have a highly specialized system devoted exclusively to perceiving gentle touch stimuli. Why does the touch of a stranger feel so different to that of someone we are emotionally close to? What is happening in our brain - and what role does the brain play in all this? 

In an era of social distancing, touch research is becoming increasingly relevant. How does it affect us, and our relationships, when we are required to keep our distance? Researchers explore what role touch plays in our physical and emotional well-being, and what the consequences are when touch is missing.


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