Nat Hum Behav June 2024 PMID 38589702

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions.

Julian Packheiser, Helena Hartmann, Kelly Fredriksen, Valeria Gazzola, Christian Keysers, Frédéric Michon

Download social card

Mentions

488

Peak: 23 in Apr 2024

across 7 sources since Apr 2024

Extended reach

771,731

potential audience

Total likes

248

Video views

1,919

Mentions per month

Apr 2024 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

News402 articles
X / Twitter50 posts
Blogs14 articles
Facebook12 posts
Bluesky5 posts
YouTube3 videos
Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Overall, the discussions are positive and inquisitive, with examples like 'touch has wide benefits for all ages' and mentions of the systematic review emphasizing scientific credibility. The tone is respectful and emphasizes the importance of human contact, reflecting deep engagement and support for the study's implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions highlight support for the study’s findings, recognizing touch’s health benefits, indicated by phrases like 'very interesting review' and references to scientific evidence.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high enthusiasm and curiosity about the topic, using words like 'interesting,' 'wide benefits,' and sharing links to the full study.

EngagementHigh engagement

Several discussions delve into the implications and methods, referencing specific studies, scientific names, and emphasizing the importance of human touch in mental and physical health.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions underscore the significance of the findings, they mainly serve to inform and generate interest rather than prompting immediate widespread behavioral changes, hence a moderate impact score.

Abstract in brief

Touch interventions have been shown to significantly improve both physical and mental health outcomes, especially in reducing stress hormones like cortisol, pain, depression, and anxiety, based on a systematic review of 137 studies involving nearly 13,000 people.
The effectiveness of touch is consistent whether applied by humans, objects, or robots, though mental health benefits tend to be lower with object or robot touch, and adults with clinical conditions tend to benefit more in mental health areas compared to healthy individuals.
Additionally, the review found that the familiarity of the person delivering touch doesn't significantly alter its benefits in adults, but parental touch is particularly more beneficial for newborns' health outcomes.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Benefits of Human Touch for Mental and Physical Wellbeing

A large-scale analysis by researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reveals that consensual touch significantly benefits physical and mental health. Touch by parents, especially for newborns, enhances…

Connected Babies · May 22, 2024 1,314 views

Impact of Touch Interventions on Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Touch interventions significantly improve physical and mental health outcomes, reducing stress, pain, depression, and anxiety, based on a systematic review of 137 studies involving nearly 13,000 people.

Елена Аронина · May 28, 2024 599 views

Benefits of Touch for Babies and Adults Insights from Research

Research shows that consensual touch significantly boosts physical and mental health, reducing pain, stress, and anxiety. For newborns, touch from parents fosters bonding and attachment, highlighting the importance of…

Connected Babies · May 15, 2024 6 views

Klinik für Neurologie Essen

@neurologieessen.bsky.social · Bluesky

Helena Hartmann (Neurologie, The Bingel Laboratory) für “A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions”; www.nature.com/articles/s41... @ulrikebingel.bsky.social 3/6

Oct 1, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share View post →

SFB/TRR 289 Treatment Expectation

@sfb-trr-289.bsky.social · Bluesky

And @helenahartmann.com won a prize for one of the best ECR papers!

Sep 18, 2025 · 4 likes · 2 shares View post →

CRUX Psychology

@cruxpsychology · X

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #psychology #wellbeing #touch #family #friends #relationship #relationships #love #friendship #hug #depression #anxiety #pain #StressRelief #stress (Packheiser et al., 2024) https://t.co/g3WXgsjVeS

Jun 5, 2025 · 403 followers View post →

Martin Billing

@BillingMartin · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/26rj0SZzWF Touch is a key element for humans Manual therapy in msk healthcare is not a key element.

Mar 31, 2025 · 5 likes · 1 share · 5,798 followers View post →

Martin Billing

@BillingMartin · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/26rj0T07Md An interesting paper on "touch" Whats key for me is what is and isnt considered Healthcare

Mar 4, 2025 · 2 likes · 5,798 followers View post →

Valence Therapy - Jon Tallerico LMT, PT, DPT, ACSM-EP

@valencedpt.bsky.social · Bluesky

When you think of mental health, does massage come to mind? Because it definitely should. Touch had demonstrated large effects on depression, anxiety, stress, mood, and sleep quality. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38589702/

Feb 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share View post →

NeuroClass

@neuroclass1 · X

Jan 21, 2025 · 4 likes · 10,115 followers View post →

Maximilian

@_Maximilan · X

RT @Maede2024: لمس به بهبود سلامت روانی و جسمی کمک می‌کند. به‌ویژه، لمس در تنظیم سطوح کورتیزول و افزایش وزن در نوزادان و همچنین در کاهش درد…

Jan 21, 2025 · 1 share · 355 followers View post →

Maede

@Maede2024 · X

Jan 20, 2025 · 12 likes · 1 share · 394 followers View post →

AndyHab

@andyhab.bsky.social · Bluesky

Original paper: Julian Packheiser, Helena Hartmann, Kelly Fredriksen, Valeria Gazzola, Christian Keysers, Frédéric Michon A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions Nature Human Behaviour, 2024 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8

Jan 17, 2025 View post →

AndyHab

@andyhab.bsky.social · Bluesky

Original paper 1: Julian Packheiser, Helena Hartmann, Kelly Fredriksen, et al. A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nature Human Behaviour, 2024 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8

Dec 11, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share View post →

ɹǝʇlnoԀ pıʌɐᗡ

@Retlouping · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/6kqnm5nbn3 https://t.co/F03Y8EBFOt

Aug 5, 2024 · 1 share · 26,179 followers View post →

daigaku-nekoΦωΦ

@Manyaces · X

RT @myuuko: タッチすることは，新生児のコルチゾール調整，体重増加を促し，また，成人の痛み，うつ，不安を軽減するよというメタ分析。物やロボットのタッチは身体面への有益性は同等だが精神面では劣る，など。/ A systematic review and multivar…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 475 followers View post →

Ainhoa

@elmapadelcambio · X

Por lo tanto, diseñar intervenciones personalizadas de contacto físico puede maximizar beneficios terapéuticos, especialmente en poblaciones clínicas.

May 28, 2024 · 74 followers View post →

ひっそり

@Hissoritobo · X

May 28, 2024 · 11 shares · 24 followers View post →

高穂｜永福町

@shimokunetaka · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 46 followers View post →

唐子面鯛子@トランス差別ゆるさない

@hiraharakurita · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,130 followers View post →

立川の教育情報

@edu_tachikawa · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 536 followers View post →

逗子とヨット。

@Srunnning · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 618 followers View post →

Ryuhei So

@RyuheiSo · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 989 followers View post →

小谷優平 yuheikodani@言語聴覚士，川崎医療福祉大学，助教, Ph.D.

@B45KTCivYDZBh7G · X

May 27, 2024 · 11 shares · 360 followers View post →

Yuuko Morimoto

@myuuko · X

May 26, 2024 · 59 likes · 11 shares · 9,244 followers View post →

amelia

@amelia_guertin · X

@syncretismftw @signulll Why IRL? There are a few of recent studies comparing touch interventions involving objects or robots resulting in similar physical but lower mental health benefits. While VR/AR can help, we still need human touch for our mental wellbeing https://t.co/iOwob2Utvk

May 20, 2024 · 1 like · 2,587 followers View post →

Xavier Revert Vidal

@RevertVidalX · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

May 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 49 followers View post →

Sander Koole

@SLKoole · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

May 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 2,242 followers View post →

CLaE

@leafs_s · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

May 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 28,048 followers View post →

みに丸

@ph_minimal · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Nature Human Behaviour 人の温もり(身体接触)はメンタルヘルスにどうなんかっていうSRなんだけど、めっちゃ長ぇ！ https://t.co/bS1uammz8P

May 12, 2024 · 1 like · 900 followers View post →

猫になりたい薬剤師

@Vannyamoto · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions - PubMed https://t.co/SkUBO74sEd

May 12, 2024 · 1,043 followers View post →

理学療法士_海津陽一 Ph.D.

@copellist · X

■ Ref info: Packheiser, Julian, et al. "A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions." Nature Human Behaviour (2024): 1-20. ■ Ref link: https://t.co/JzJPl8FywA ■ note link: https://t.co/rrfXYC73yL

May 8, 2024 · 3 likes · 10,543 followers View post →

pink baby

@huiwang537353 · X

@elonmuskPOTUX Yes, there is scientific evidence. “A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions”。

May 7, 2024 · 62 followers View post →

お茶柱／心理学のべレスク

@otea_stalk · X

【MA】身体接触の健康メリット？総勢12,966人を統合新生児も成人も、タッチ介入は心身の健康を改善する新生児のコルチゾール・体温調節・呼吸・肝機能などへ効果がある成人のうつ症状や不安・痛みに効果ありロボットでも身体的痛みに効果がある https://t.co/wChQbGXdkR

May 7, 2024 · 18 followers View post →

Dr. Carl Hindy

@DrCarlHindy · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions … systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies — Nature https://t.co/vvZx8LULuT

May 4, 2024 · 6 likes · 33,192 followers View post →

delafosse christian

@delafossechri11 · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Nature Human Behaviour https://t.co/PQshouZsAF

Apr 21, 2024 · 53 followers View post →

Claudia_La

@ClLazarides · X

RT @leoschilbach: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Na…

Apr 20, 2024 · 4 shares · 813 followers View post →

Maria Mayr

@hyazintha · X

RT @leoschilbach: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Na…

Apr 19, 2024 · 4 shares · 586 followers View post →

Leonhard Schilbach

@leoschilbach · X

RT @leoschilbach: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Na…

Apr 19, 2024 · 4 shares · 6,739 followers View post →

priya joseph

@ayirpelle · X

RT @leoschilbach: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Na…

Apr 18, 2024 · 4 shares · 4,886 followers View post →

Leonhard Schilbach

@leoschilbach · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Nature Human Behaviour https://t.co/g6j83BfZzF

Apr 18, 2024 · 13 likes · 4 shares · 6,739 followers View post →

Roger Blackwell

@rogerablackwell · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/27sY5xvPw8

Apr 17, 2024 · 2,296 followers View post →

Lifeboat Foundation

@LifeboatHQ · X

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/mFm1QDzQht

Apr 17, 2024 · 31,621 followers View post →

AngryPhDstudent❗️❗️❗️

@ONNESHA092 · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

Apr 16, 2024 · 7 shares · 182 followers View post →

priya joseph

@ayirpelle · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

Apr 15, 2024 · 7 shares · 4,886 followers View post →

Nathalia Le Hen

@NathaliaLeHen · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

Apr 15, 2024 · 7 shares · 2,725 followers View post →

Hiro Hamada 濱田太陽 | Health is King

@HiroTHamadaJP · X

RT @leafs_s: Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch…

Apr 15, 2024 · 7 shares · 5,613 followers View post →

CLaE

@leafs_s · X

Nature Human Behaviour A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions https://t.co/D4Ywm6B4EN

Apr 15, 2024 · 40 likes · 7 shares · 28,048 followers View post →

NeuronS_MATTR Network

@NeuronS_MATTR · X

Very interesting review! "A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions" https://t.co/dMKmtwSGaO

Apr 10, 2024 · 2 likes · 117 followers View post →

Michael Ostrolenk, MA, MFT

@mostrolenk · X

RT @NeuroscienceNew: “A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions”…

Apr 9, 2024 · 2 shares · 7,065 followers View post →

veoveo

@linaamandarinaa · X

RT @metodologica_cl:

Apr 9, 2024 · 8 shares · 453 followers View post →

Cristóbal Payns

@Cristobal_Payns · X

RT @metodologica_cl:

Apr 8, 2024 · 8 shares · 19 followers View post →

Burton Lee

@burtonlee · X

RT @NeuroscienceNew: “A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions”…

Apr 8, 2024 · 2 shares · 5,586 followers View post →

Carlos Andrés Rodríguez Fernández

@CARLITIOX · X

RT @metodologica_cl:

Apr 8, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,144 followers View post →

blu

@soylablu · X

RT @metodologica_cl:

Apr 8, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,380 followers View post →

Alexis R. | METODOLOGICA_CL

@metodologica_cl · X

Apr 8, 2024 · 31 likes · 8 shares · 3,807 followers View post →

Neuroscience News

@NeuroscienceNew · X

Apr 8, 2024 · 8 likes · 2 shares · 505,361 followers View post →

Dr. Helena Hartmann

@helenahhartmann · X

To sum it up, touch has wide physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages (and also for animals, as our review shows)! Read the full study here: https://t.co/6MGARyjpSm The supplement with more figures: https://t.co/ACdoCTsLOR 10/ https://t.co/OavqT34jCo

Apr 8, 2024 · 8 likes · 8,012 followers View post →

A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions.

Mentions per month

Where it's discussed

What people are saying

Abstract in brief

Top posts

All mentions

Benefits of Human Touch for Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Impact of Touch Interventions on Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Benefits of Touch for Babies and Adults Insights from Research