Adapt Human Behav Physiol May 2020 PMID 32837856

Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness.

A Heatley Tejada, R I M Dunbar, M Montero

Mentions

39
Peak: 2 in Dec 2023
across 4 sources since May 2020

Extended reach

546,241
potential audience

Total likes

27,283

Video views

542,655

Mentions per month

May 2020 – Feb 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News29 articles
  • X / Twitter5 posts
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal agreement and high interest in the research's implications, demonstrated by phrases like 'Community Crisis' and references to 'touch starvation,' which underscore the social importance of physical contact. The tone and choice of words convey concern for social health and recognition of touch as a vital human need.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the importance of physical contact in reducing loneliness, reflecting general agreement with the publication's findings.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, with posts highlighting the societal relevance of touch and community health issues.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts like 'Touch Starvation: A Community Crisis' suggest some depth in engagement, addressing real-world implications, though many are brief comments.

ImpactModerate impact

Participants seem to view the research as meaningful, relevant to ongoing concerns about social isolation and mental health.

Abstract in brief

  • Physical contact, even in cultures with limited touch, can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness by strengthening emotional bonds and communication.
  • An experimental study with 40 participants found that those who experienced physical touch reported lower loneliness levels and showed signs of improved physiological wellbeing, such as faster heart rate recovery.
  • These findings suggest that basic human bonding mechanisms rooted in evolution persist across cultural contexts, influencing emotional and physical health regardless of social norms against touch.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Europe PMC articles
@EuropePMC · X

New from #ERC_Research https://t.co/hQBYOIu05X Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness.

May 29, 2020 · 1,549 followers View post →
Solgato
@Tigger0000 · X

https://t.co/WFXUpf6t89 https://t.co/6N9h2WB1B1

Dec 19, 2023 · 1,079 followers View post →
Hachi
@Hachinokaby · X

OK ITS TIME TO STOP IM GONNA GO Touch Starvation: A Community Crisis https://t.co/MK12QVDLdh

Jan 24, 2024 · 698 followers View post →
Stephanie
@stephmostdef · X

https://t.co/8uBTfjWhyJ

Sep 8, 2024 · 209 followers View post →

All mentions

Stephanie
@stephmostdef · X

https://t.co/8uBTfjWhyJ

Sep 8, 2024 · 209 followers View post →
Attic HelOwOt
@Hipnosapo09 · X

https://t.co/N6caDN0ZXm

Jan 28, 2024 · 52 followers View post →
Hachi
@Hachinokaby · X

OK ITS TIME TO STOP IM GONNA GO Touch Starvation: A Community Crisis https://t.co/MK12QVDLdh

Jan 24, 2024 · 698 followers View post →
Solgato
@Tigger0000 · X

https://t.co/WFXUpf6t89 https://t.co/6N9h2WB1B1

Dec 19, 2023 · 1,079 followers View post →
Europe PMC articles
@EuropePMC · X

New from #ERC_Research https://t.co/hQBYOIu05X Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness.

May 29, 2020 · 1,549 followers View post →