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Rankin L, Grisham LM, Ingbar C. Hush, little baby: The role of C-tactile afferents in babywearing infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal. Infant Behav Dev 2024; 76:101960. [PMID: 38820859 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Social touch through infant holding, skin-to-skin contact, and infant carrying (babywearing) decreases infant distress and promotes secure attachment. Unknown is the extent to which these effects are the result of the activation of C-Tactile afferents (CTs), the constellation of nerve fibers associated with affective touch, primarily located in the head and trunk of the body. The purpose of the present study was to compare dynamic touch (CTs activated) to static touch (CTs less activated) during a babywearing procedure among infants experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). NOWS is a spectrum of clinical symptoms, including elevated heart rate (HR), associated with withdrawal from intrauterine opioid exposure. We hypothesized that stroking an infant's head during babywearing would amplify the pleasurable effect of babywearing as measured by changes in infant HR. Twenty-nine infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Southwestern USA were worn in an infant carrier starting at five days old (M = 5.4, SD = 2.6; 46.2 % White, 26.9 % Latinx, 11.5 % Native American) and physiological readings were conducted daily; heart rates of infants and caregivers were taken every 15-seconds for 5-minutes, before, during, and after babywearing (30 min per phase). Each day infants alternated (randomly) in a static touch (hands-free babywearing) or dynamic touch condition (stroking the top of the infants' head at a velocity of 3 cm/s while babywearing). On average, infants completed 3 dynamic and 3 static babywearing sessions. Hospital and research staff participated in babywearing when a parent was not available (31.0 % of infants were exclusively worn by volunteers, 27.6 % were exclusively worn by parents). We analyzed the data using Hierarchical Linear Models due to the 3-level nested design (N = 29 infants, N = 191 readings, N = 11,974 heart rates). Compared to baseline (infant calm/asleep and without contact), infant's HRs significantly declined during and after babywearing, controlling for pharmacological treatment. These effects were significantly stronger during the dynamic touch condition (reduction in HR of 11.17 bpm) compared to the static touch condition (reduction in HR of 3.74 bpm). These effects did not significantly vary by wearer (mother, father, volunteer). However, differences between the dynamic and static conditions were significantly stronger in earlier babywearing sessions, potentially indicating a learning effect. There was evidence for a calming effect among caregivers as well, particularly in the dynamic touch condition, when caregivers were engaged in active touch. Activation of CTs appears to be an important mechanism in the physiological benefits of babywearing and in the symbiotic role of caregiver-infant attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lela Rankin
- School of Social Work Tucson, Arizona State University, 340 N Commerce Park Loop Suite 250, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA.
| | - Lisa M Grisham
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Department of Pediatrics at Banner University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson, AZ
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2
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Liu Y, Xu M, Tian Q, Yu S, Cao M, Zhao W, Han Y, Wang Z, Zhang W. Effects of Aromatherapy on Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Cancer Nurs 2024:00002820-990000000-00275. [PMID: 39037416 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous physical and psychological symptoms experienced by cancer patients seriously affect their normal lives. Many academics and medical professionals have attempted to use aromatherapy in this situation to help cancer patients manage their physical and emotional problems. OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy on physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. Four electronic databases were searched. The review process followed a registered priori review protocol and was reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed in parallel. RESULTS Twenty-six studies with 2912 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. We performed a subgroup analysis according to the different plant or animal aromatics contained in the oil, which found that lavender oil significantly reduced preoperative anxiety. In addition, aromatherapy massage was superior to inhaled aromatherapy in reducing anxiety. Moreover, cancer patients who used aromatherapy reduced the frequency of vomiting in 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS Aromatherapy is a useful treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, as well as the frequency of vomiting over 24 hours. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Healthcare providers can use aromatherapy to alleviate psychological and physical symptoms in cancer patients. The use of lavender oil and massage is recommended in clinical settings to improve anxiety symptoms in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantong Liu
- Authors' Affiliation: School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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3
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Saramandi A, Au YK, Koukoutsakis A, Zheng CY, Godwin A, Bianchi-Berthouze N, Jewitt C, Jenkinson PM, Fotopoulou A. Tactile emoticons: Conveying social emotions and intentions with manual and robotic tactile feedback during social media communications. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304417. [PMID: 38865322 PMCID: PMC11168615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Touch offers important non-verbal possibilities for socioaffective communication. Yet most digital communications lack capabilities regarding exchanging affective tactile messages (tactile emoticons). Additionally, previous studies on tactile emoticons have not capitalised on knowledge about the affective effects of certain mechanoreceptors in the human skin, e.g., the C-Tactile (CT) system. Here, we examined whether gentle manual stroking delivered in velocities known to optimally activate the CT system (defined as 'tactile emoticons'), during lab-simulated social media communications could convey increased feelings of social support and other prosocial intentions compared to (1) either stroking touch at CT sub-optimal velocities, or (2) standard visual emoticons. Participants (N = 36) felt more social intent with CT-optimal compared to sub-optimal velocities, or visual emoticons. In a second, preregistered study (N = 52), we investigated whether combining visual emoticons with tactile emoticons, this time delivered at CT-optimal velocities by a soft robotic device, could enhance the perception of prosocial intentions and affect participants' physiological measures (e.g., skin conductance rate) in comparison to visual emoticons alone. Visuotactile emoticons conveyed more social intent overall and in anxious participants affected physiological measures more than visual emoticons. The results suggest that emotional social media communications can be meaningfully enhanced by tactile emoticons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkistis Saramandi
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yee Ki Au
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Athanasios Koukoutsakis
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Yan Zheng
- Royal College of Art, London, United Kingdom
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Carey Jewitt
- UCL Knowledge Lab, Culture Communication and Media, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Jenkinson
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aikaterini Fotopoulou
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Packheiser J, Hartmann H, Fredriksen K, Gazzola V, Keysers C, Michon F. A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:1088-1107. [PMID: 38589702 PMCID: PMC11199149 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Receiving touch is of critical importance, as many studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical well-being. We conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022304281) systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies in the systematic review (n = 12,966 individuals, search via Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science until 1 October 2022) to identify critical factors moderating touch intervention efficacy. Included studies always featured a touch versus no touch control intervention with diverse health outcomes as dependent variables. Risk of bias was assessed via small study, randomization, sequencing, performance and attrition bias. Touch interventions were especially effective in regulating cortisol levels (Hedges' g = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 1.31) and increasing weight (0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94) in newborns as well as in reducing pain (0.69, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.89), feelings of depression (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78) and state (0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.84) or trait anxiety (0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.77) for adults. Comparing touch interventions involving objects or robots resulted in similar physical (0.56, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.88 versus 0.51, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.64) but lower mental health benefits (0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.49 versus 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.73). Adult clinical cohorts profited more strongly in mental health domains compared with healthy individuals (0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.80 versus 0.37, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55). We found no difference in health benefits in adults when comparing touch applied by a familiar person or a health care professional (0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73 versus 0.50, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.61), but parental touch was more beneficial in newborns (0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88 versus 0.39, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.61). Small but significant small study bias and the impossibility to blind experimental conditions need to be considered. Leveraging factors that influence touch intervention efficacy will help maximize the benefits of future interventions and focus research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Packheiser
- Social Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Helena Hartmann
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Clinical Neurosciences, Department for Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kelly Fredriksen
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Valeria Gazzola
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Keysers
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric Michon
- Social Brain Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Art and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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5
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Stevens L, Bregulla M, Scheele D. Out of touch? How trauma shapes the experience of social touch - Neural and endocrine pathways. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105595. [PMID: 38373642 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Trauma can shape the way an individual experiences the world and interacts with other people. Touch is a key component of social interactions, but surprisingly little is known about how trauma exposure influences the processing of social touch. In this review, we examine possible neurobiological pathways through which trauma can influence touch processing and lead to touch aversion and avoidance in trauma-exposed individuals. Emerging evidence indicates that trauma may affect sensory touch thresholds by modulating activity in the primary sensory cortex and posterior insula. Disturbances in multisensory integration and oxytocin reactivity combined with diminished reward-related and anxiolytic responses may induce a bias towards negative appraisal of touch contexts. Furthermore, hippocampus deactivation during social touch may reflect a dissociative state. These changes depend not only on the type and severity of the trauma but also on the features of the touch. We hypothesise that disrupted touch processing may impair social interactions and confer elevated risk for future stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stevens
- Social Neuroscience, Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Madeleine Bregulla
- Social Neuroscience, Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Social Neuroscience, Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
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6
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Xie Y, Feeney BC. A narrative review of research linking non-sexual social touch to sleep quality. J Sleep Res 2024:e14174. [PMID: 38382911 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
This narrative review describes the current state of the literature that has examined associations between non-sexual social touch (i.e., affectionate touch, touch therapies, touch with animals and inanimate objects that mimic social touch) and sleep quality. It also highlights areas for future research to clarify the links and to identify underlying mechanisms. Most existing studies have focussed on and shown positive effects of touch therapies (e.g., massage, therapeutic touch) on sleep quality in clinical populations. Although there are fewer studies examining how other forms of social touch are linked with sleep quality, the existing research provides preliminary evidence supporting affectionate touch (e.g., hugging, skin-to-skin contact) and tactile contact with animals (e.g., dogs) and objects that mimic social touch (e.g., robots, weighted blankets) as predictors of better sleep quality, while touch deprivation and touch aversion are associated with worse sleep quality. Informed by the existing literature, we additionally reviewed potential relational-cognitive (e.g., felt-security) and neurobiological (e.g., oxytocin) mechanisms likely to underlie associations between social touch and sleep quality. Overall, current research supports associations between non-sexual social touch and sleep quality. However, future research is needed to establish these links for specific forms of social touch (and in various populations), to test explanatory mechanisms, and to identify boundary conditions. Understanding associations between non-sexual social touch and sleep quality can inform the development of touch-based interventions to improve sleep quality and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Xie
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brooke C Feeney
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Shamay-Tsoory SG, Kanterman A. Away from the herd: loneliness as a dysfunction of social alignment. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae005. [PMID: 38287695 PMCID: PMC10873844 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The tendency of all humans to experience loneliness at some point in their lives implies that it serves an adaptive function. Building on biological theories of herding in animals, according to which collective movement emerges from local interactions that are based on principles of attraction, repulsion and alignment, we propose an approach that synthesizes these principles with theories of loneliness in humans. We present here the 'herding model of loneliness' that extends these principles into the psychological domain. We hold that these principles serve as basic building blocks of human interactions and propose that distorted attraction and repulsion tendencies may lead to inability to align properly with others, which may be a core component in loneliness emergence and perpetuation. We describe a neural model of herding in humans and suggest that loneliness may be associated with altered interactions between the gap/error detection, reward signaling, threat and observation-execution systems. The proposed model offers a framework to predict the behavior of lonely individuals and thus may inform intervention designs for reducing loneliness intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa Kanterman
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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8
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Navyte G, Gillmeister H, Kumari M. Interpersonal touch and the importance of romantic partners for older adults' neuroendocrine health. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106414. [PMID: 37866125 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Interpersonal touch is an essential aspect of human interaction that has the ability to regulate physiological stress responses. Prolonged exposure to stress can have cumulative multiphysiological effects; for example, allostatic load. Despite the increased susceptibility of social isolation for older adults, there is a paucity of research on the efficacy of touch in regulating stress responses among this population. It is also unknown whether touch confers benefits regardless of the person with whom it is shared. This study investigates the difference in physiological stress based on the frequency of touch (hugs, holding, or other close physical contact) shared with romantic partners as compared to other close adults (family, friends, and neighbours) in an older adult population. Data were analysed from 1419 respondents (aged 57-85 years) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) in 2005-2006. Principal components analysis determined whether the eight markers of allostatic load measured in the NSHAP function as a singular system or as distinct components. Analyses revealed three components of allostatic load: metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine health. The results of multiple regression revealed that a higher frequency of interpersonal touch shared with romantic partners was associated with better neuroendocrine health (β = 0.13, p = 0.004) following adjustment for a variety of covariates (but not with better metabolic or cardiovascular health), with no associations apparent for touch from other close adults. These findings highlight the importance of promoting interpersonal touch with romantic partners for older adults' neuroendocrine health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Navyte
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Helge Gillmeister
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Meena Kumari
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
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9
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Baumgartner JN, Haupt MR, Case LK. Chronic pain patients low in social connectedness report higher pain and need deeper pressure for pain relief. Emotion 2023; 23:2156-2168. [PMID: 36996174 PMCID: PMC10544689 DOI: 10.1037/emo0001228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The experience of rejection and disconnection reliably amplifies pain. Yet, little is known about the impact of enduring feelings of closeness, or social connectedness, on experiences of chronic pain. The current secondary analysis tested the hypothesis that greater social connectedness would predict lower chronic pain ratings, mediated by lower depression and anxiety. In addition, based on the social-affective effects of deeper pressure, and our previous finding that deeper pressure from a weighted blanket reduced chronic pain ratings, we examined whether deeper pressure from a weighted blanket would induce greater pain relief in socially disconnected chronic pain patients. We assessed social connectedness, anxiety, and depression at baseline and pain levels before and after a remote, 7-day randomized-controlled trial of a heavy or light (control) weighted blanket in a predominately White (86%) and female (80%) sample of 95 chronic pain patients. Results revealed that lower social connectedness was associated with higher chronic pain ratings, which was mediated by anxiety, but not depression. Pressure level (light vs. deep) moderated associations between social connectedness and pain reductions, such that deeper pressure was necessary for pain relief in the most socially disconnected participants. Our findings suggest a close relationship between social connectedness and chronic pain through a mechanistic pathway of anxiety. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that sensory-affective interventions such as a weighted blanket may be a beneficial tool for chronic pain sufferers who are prone to social disconnection, potentially by activating embodied representations of safety and social support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Baumgartner
- NIH Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, DPCPSI, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 733, MSC 7990, Bethesda, MD 20892
- UC San Diego Health, Department of Anesthesiology, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0719, La Jolla, CA 92093, 858-246-4968
| | - Michael R. Haupt
- University of California San Diego, Department of Cognitive Science, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093
| | - Laura K. Case
- UC San Diego Health, Department of Anesthesiology, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0719, La Jolla, CA 92093, 858-246-4968
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10
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Leite RO, Llabre MM, Timpano KR, Broos HC, Saab PG. Psychosocial and health stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with sleep quality. Psychol Health 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37553830 PMCID: PMC11167586 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2245426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated how psychosocial and health stressors and related cognitive-affective factors were differentially associated with sleep quality during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND MEASURES Adults living in Florida (n = 2,152) completed a Qualtrics survey in April-May 2020 (Wave 1). Participants (n = 831) were reassessed one month later (Wave 2; May-June 2020). At Wave 1, participants reported their level of physical contact with someone they care about, presence of a pre-existing chronic disease, employment status, loneliness, health worry, and financial distress. At Wave 2, participants rated their quality of sleep and insomnia symptoms. RESULTS Loneliness, but not health worry or financial distress, directly predicted worse sleep quality. Lack of physical contact was indirectly associated with worse sleep quality via greater levels of loneliness. Further, results showed the presence of a pre-existing chronic disease was associated with both greater health worry and worse sleep quality. CONCLUSION Loneliness was the sole cognitive-affective predictor of worse sleep quality when controlling for other psychosocial factors. As expected, adults living with a chronic disease reported impaired sleep quality. Understanding the processes influencing sleep quality during a significant time of stress is important for identifying risk factors, informing treatment, and improving sleep health beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael O Leite
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Maria M Llabre
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Kiara R Timpano
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Hannah C Broos
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Patrice G Saab
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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11
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Gray NLT, Roberts SC. An investigation of simulated and real touch on feelings of loneliness. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10587. [PMID: 37391459 PMCID: PMC10313660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As a social species, humans deprived of contact find loneliness a potentially distressing condition. Recent research emphasises the influence of touch on alleviating loneliness. This research found that touch reduces feelings of neglect, a subscale of loneliness. Affectionate touch, which demonstrates care or affection, has been previously linked to well-being in couples. Here, we investigated whether the effect of simulated touch during a video conversation might be sufficient to influence feelings of loneliness. Sixty participants answered a survey about their home life and relationships, including items that assessed the frequency of touch and feelings of loneliness. Following this, they participated in an online video call with three conditions: audio only, audio and video, or audio, video with simulated touch (a virtual 'high-five'). Finally, immediately after the call, they repeated the loneliness questionnaire. We found that loneliness scores were reduced following the call, but there was no difference among conditions and no effect of a virtual touch. However, we did find a significant association between the frequency of touch in a relationship and the expression of loneliness, with individuals in low-touch relationships having loneliness scores more comparable to single participants than to those in high-touch relationships. Additionally, extraversion played a major role in moderating the effect of touch in relationships. These results emphasise the importance of physical contact in lowering feelings of loneliness within relationships and the ability of calls to lower feelings of loneliness, regardless of whether they include video or simulated touch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Craig Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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12
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Yu D, Bai J, Zhao Y, Yin C, Liang F, Zhang J. Intergroup Contact Alleviates Loneliness: The Extensive Effect of Common Ingroup Identity. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1257-1270. [PMID: 37095845 PMCID: PMC10122473 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s404275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous studies show that intergroup contact, through common ingroup identity, has impact on intergroup processes such as reducing intergroup bias, improving intergroup relations, etc. The effect of intergroup contact on individual psychological process (through common ingroup identity), however, needs further exploration. Based on the positive effect of both intergroup contact and ingroup identification on mental health and well-being, this article proposes and tests a new model of individual loneliness reduction through intergroup contact by promoting common ingroup identity. Methods A total of 263 majority ethnic members and 275 minority ethnic members from China participated in the survey. Intergroup contact, common ingroup identity and loneliness were measured at three time-points (T1-T3) over an 8-month period. Longitudinal mediation analysis and parallel process Latent Growth Curve Model for mediation are used for the examination of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. Results Longitudinal mediation analysis showed that intergroup contact quality at T1 positively predicted common ingroup identity at T2, and common ingroup identity at T2 alleviated loneliness at T3. Intergroup contact quality at T1 was indirectly linked to loneliness at T3 via common ingroup identity at T2. The parallel process latent growth curve model for mediation confirmed the robustness of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. In addition, the growth rate of the quality of intergroup contact increased the growth rate of common ingroup identity, but reduced the growth rate of loneliness. Conclusion The current study revealed the protectiveness of intergroup contact and common ingroup identity on loneliness, viz., intergroup contact reduces individual loneliness by promoting common ingroup identity, the implication being that intergroup contact and common ingroup identity should be taken into account in intervening process of loneliness prevention so that an individual's physical and mental health could be better safeguarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Yu
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
- Reader Service Department, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Bai
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Yufang Zhao
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Chenzu Yin
- School of Teacher Education, Hechi University, Hechi, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Fangmei Liang
- School of Teacher Education, Hechi University, Hechi, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of International Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
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13
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Schermer JA, Branković M, Čekrlija Đ, MacDonald KB, Park J, Papazova E, Volkodav T, Iliško D, Wlodarczyk A, Kwiatkowska MM, Rogoza R, Oviedo-Trespalacios O, Ha TTK, Kowalski CM, Malik S, Lins S, Navarro-Carrillo G, Aquino SD, Doroszuk M, Riđić O, Pylat N, Özsoy E, Tan CS, Mamuti A, Ardi R, Jukić T, Uslu O, Buelvas LM, Liik K, Kruger G. Loneliness and Vertical and Horizontal Collectivism and Individualism: A Multinational Study. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbeha.2023.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
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14
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Veale D, Robins E, Thomson AB, Gilbert P. No safety without emotional safety. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:65-70. [PMID: 36442491 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This Personal View highlights how emotional safety is required for a person to keep themselves physically safe. We explain how trying to control behaviour to increase physical safety in the short term can carry the unintended consequence of reducing emotional safety, which might in turn result in higher levels of stress and hopelessness. We use examples from institutions with psychiatric inpatients to describe these processes. We argue that emotional and physical safety cannot be separated, and therefore that the absence of emotional safety compromises basic care either in an acute crisis or in the long term. Staff who fear being criticised, and so feel driven to take autonomy and responsibility away from patients, unwittingly undermine patients' experience of being empathically understood and supported, adding to patients' sense of emotional turmoil and lack of safety. We suggest that a change in culture and regulatory reform is required to bring psychiatric care more in line with the psychological needs of patients to achieve both physical and emotional safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Veale
- Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, The Maudsley Hospital, London, UK; Department of Psychology, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Eleanor Robins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex B Thomson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, London, UK
| | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training College of Health, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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15
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The Association of Embracing with Daily Mood and General Life Satisfaction: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. JOURNAL OF NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 46:519-536. [PMID: 35967989 PMCID: PMC9362016 DOI: 10.1007/s10919-022-00411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Embracing has several positive health effects, such as lowering blood pressure and decreasing infection risk. However, its association with general life satisfaction and daily mood has not been researched in detail. Here, we used a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach to monitor the daily number of embraces and daily mood in a sample of 94 adults over the course of seven days. We found that embracing frequency differed slightly over the week, with embracing occurring more frequently on weekends than on weekdays. We also found that higher daily embracing frequencies were associated with better daily mood using multilevel modeling. Only singles benefitted from increases in average embracing regarding their life satisfaction, whereas individuals in a relationship were unaffected by their embracing tendencies. Although our results are strictly correlational and do not indicate any direction or causality, embraces may be important for daily mood and general life satisfaction, but their efficacy seems to depend on relationship status.
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16
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Araújo CRV, Mota BEF, Campagnoli RR, Rocha-Rego V, Volchan E, Souza GGL. Decreased self-reported receiving of social touch and social support predict loneliness in healthy adults. PSICOLOGIA, REFLEXAO E CRITICA : REVISTA SEMESTRAL DO DEPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGIA DA UFRGS 2022; 35:25. [PMID: 35913547 PMCID: PMC9340735 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-022-00228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness has emerged as a public health concern. Previous research has reported its deleterious effects on physical and mental health; however, some specific psychophysiological mechanisms in healthy adults remain to be elucidated. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether self-reported social support and social touch (giving and receiving social touch), as well as resting heart rate variability (HRV), are significant negative predictors of loneliness in healthy adults. The study sample consists of 120 healthy students (50% female) with a mean age of 21.85 years old (DP= 2.21). The students were asked to complete a psychiatric screening questionnaire utilizing loneliness, social support, and social touch scales. HRV was derived from an electrocardiographic signal recorded for 15 min, with the participant relaxed in a supine position. Linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate loneliness as a function of social support, social touch (giving or receiving touch), and resting HRV. The results show that social support (p< 0.001) and social touch, specifically receiving touch (p< 0.002), accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in loneliness. However, neither giving touch nor resting HRV was a significant predictor of loneliness. The current study highlights specific psychosocial factors in healthy adults that should be considered as promising pathways in order to reduce or work toward preventing loneliness, thus promoting better health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássia Regina Vieira Araújo
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruna Eugênia Ferreira Mota
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.,School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Ramos Campagnoli
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil.,Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Rocha-Rego
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Guerra Leal Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil.
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17
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Abstract
Abstract
Loneliness is an increasingly ubiquitous topic in academic, policy, and healthcare domains. This work typically focuses on its negative physical and mental health consequences, generally employing a singular cognitive definition of loneliness. In doing so, one central aspect of our social world has been neglected in loneliness research and policy: touch. Touch is a fundamental human behaviour and a powerful form of communication which plays a role in physical and psychological wellbeing. This narrative review outlines a conceptual basis upon which to consider the relationship between loneliness and social touch and reviews the available research examining this connection. There are strong indications that these social phenomena can interact in a variety of ways and this review argues that elements of presence, absence, and type of touch may impact upon loneliness experiences. Additionally, this review considers the challenges inherent to researching touch and loneliness, reflecting on their sensitive and subjective nature. The increasing relevance of the touch–loneliness connection is described in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations are given for research, policy, and practice. This review proposes that touch should be a key topic for investigation in loneliness research and outlines the potentially invaluable role of touch in understanding loneliness.
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18
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Morese R, Longobardi C. The Impact of Physical Distancing in the Pandemic Situation: Considering the Role of Loneliness and Social Brain. Front Psychol 2022; 13:861329. [PMID: 35386900 PMCID: PMC8978441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The new normal has made social distancing a new way of experiencing sociality. Social neuroscience has for a long time been concerned with studying the beneficial effects of social relationships, of physical contact. It is known that physical contact activates neurophysiological processes that reduce the perception of discomfort and even physical pain. So in the absence of physical contact, our social brain may be modulated differently when we are with others. But what could be the long-term effects of this normality? This mini-review focuses on highlighting with the support of social neuroscience evidence such as isolation, distancing can affect people’s health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Morese
- Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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19
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Saporta N, Peled-Avron L, Scheele D, Lieberz J, Hurlemann R, Shamay-Tsoory SG. Touched by loneliness-how loneliness impacts the response to observed human touch: a tDCS study. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2022; 17:142-150. [PMID: 34907421 PMCID: PMC8824677 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lonely people often crave connectedness. However, they may also experience their environment as threatening, entering a self-preserving state that perpetuates loneliness. Research shows conflicting evidence about their response to positive social cues, and little is known about their experience of observed human touch. The right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) is part of an observation-execution network implicated in observed touch perception. Correlative studies also point to rIFG's involvement in loneliness. We examined the causal effect of rIFG anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on high- and low-loneliness individuals observing human touch. In a cross-over design study, 40 participants watched pictures of humans or objects touching or not touching during anodal and sham stimulations. Participants indicated whether pictures contained humans or objects, and their reaction time was measured. Results show that the reaction time of low-loneliness individuals to observed human touch was significantly slower during anodal stimulation compared to high-loneliness individuals, possibly due to them being more emotionally distracted by it. Lonely individuals also reported less liking of touch. Our findings support the notion that lonely individuals are not drawn to positive social cues. This may help explain the perpetuation of loneliness, despite social opportunities that could be available to lonely people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nira Saporta
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Leehe Peled-Avron
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Jana Lieberz
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
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20
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Consuming In Response to Loneliness: Bright Side and Dark Side Effects. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 46:101329. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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21
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Della Longa L, Valori I, Farroni T. Interpersonal Affective Touch in a Virtual World: Feeling the Social Presence of Others to Overcome Loneliness. Front Psychol 2022; 12:795283. [PMID: 35087455 PMCID: PMC8787079 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.795283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are by nature social beings tuned to communicate and interact from the very beginning of their lives. The sense of touch represents the most direct and intimate channel of communication and a powerful means of connection between the self and the others. In our digital age, the development and diffusion of internet-based technologies and virtual environments offer new opportunities of communication overcoming physical distance. It however, happens that social interactions are often mediated, and the tactile aspects of communication are overlooked, thus diminishing the feeling of social presence, which may contribute to an increased sense of social disconnection and loneliness. The current manuscript aims to review the extant literature about the socio-affective dimension of touch and current advancements in interactive virtual environments in order to provide a new perspective on multisensory virtual communication. Specifically, we suggest that interpersonal affective touch might critically impact virtual social exchanges, promoting a sense of co-presence and social connection between individuals, possibly overcoming feelings of sensory loneliness. This topic of investigation will be of crucial relevance from a theoretical perspective aiming to understand how we integrate multisensory signals in processing and making sense of interpersonal exchanges, this is important in both typical and atypical populations. Moreover, it will pave the way to promising applications by exploring the possibility to use technical innovations to communicate more interactively in the case of people who suffer from social isolation and disconnection from others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Della Longa
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Valori
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Teresa Farroni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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22
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Schulze A, Biermann M, Atanasova K, Unterseher F, Winkler L, Bohus M, Lis S. Social Touch, Social Isolation, and Loneliness in Borderline Personality Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:876413. [PMID: 35815051 PMCID: PMC9260178 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.876413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpersonal impairments in borderline personality disorder (BPD) are characterised by a lack in the sense of belonging and the fear of being excluded. One feature of interactions that can promote a sense of social belonging is interpersonal touch. While some studies suggest that individuals with BPD experience social touch as less pleasurable than healthy individuals (HCs), there are no studies that investigated whether this difference is associated with feeling less socially connected. This question is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, since one central behavioural recommendation is "social distancing". An increase in loneliness has been discussed as a consequence and it has been suggested that individuals with BPD may be particularly burdened. However, the primary goal of "social distancing" is not preventing social contacts, but physical proximity. In our study we investigated the interplay between feeling close to others, contact frequency and the appraisal of social touch in BPD. We were additionally interested in whether these factors contribute to the burden through "physical distancing". METHODS We assessed subjective and objective social isolation, the need, importance, and liking of social touch, as well as the burden through "physical distancing" policies in 130 women (61 BPD and 69 HCs). RESULTS Participants of the BPD group reported higher loneliness, less social contacts and a lower need for, importance and liking of social touch compared to HCs. Larger social networks, higher frequency of in-person contacts and higher liking and importance of social touch were associated with lower levels of loneliness. Both groups did not differ regarding their burden through "physical distancing". A higher need for and lower importance of social touch predicted a higher burden through "physical distancing". CONCLUSIONS A positive appraisal of social touch was associated with less loneliness, independently of an individual's objective social isolation. In BPD, impairments of this fundamental facet of social interaction might hamper forming and strengthening of social bonds and contribute to the patients' interpersonal dysfunction. Changing the attitude towards social touch and in consequence its liking and importance in social interaction might provide one avenue to improve the sense of social connectedness in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schulze
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Biermann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantina Atanasova
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Unterseher
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Louisa Winkler
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bohus
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Schoppmann J, Teismann T, Holleck-Weithmann VA, Hundertmark E, Jandewerth K, Obereiner P, Rudolph D, Seehagen S. Infant carrying is associated with reduced maternal repetitive negative thinking and increased maternal mental health. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2021:1-14. [PMID: 34882494 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2021.2012647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental disorders, such as postnatal depression, are common in mothers. Repetitive negative thinking has been identified as a cognitive factor underlying the resulting difficulties in mother-infant interactions. METHOD The present online survey investigated associations between infant carrying (baby-wearing) and maternal repetitive negative thinking and positive mental health. RESULTS Repetitive negative thinking was significantly lower, and positive mental health was significantly higher while carrying compared to overall levels. There were no relations between maternal mental health and frequency of carrying. Maternal activities during carrying are portrayed. CONCLUSION These results are the first indication that carrying could be a low threshold, easily administered intervention method for maternal mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Teismann
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Dinah Rudolph
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabine Seehagen
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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24
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von Mohr M, Kirsch LP, Fotopoulou A. Social touch deprivation during COVID-19: effects on psychological wellbeing and craving interpersonal touch. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210287. [PMID: 34527270 PMCID: PMC8424338 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Social touch has positive effects on social affiliation and stress alleviation. However, its ubiquitous presence in human life does not allow the study of social touch deprivation 'in the wild'. Nevertheless, COVID-19-related restrictions such as social distancing allowed the systematic study of the degree to which social distancing affects tactile experiences and mental health. In this study, 1746 participants completed an online survey to examine intimate, friendly and professional touch experiences during COVID-19-related restrictions, their impact on mental health and the extent to which touch deprivation results in craving touch. We found that intimate touch deprivation during COVID-19-related restrictions is associated with higher anxiety and greater loneliness even though this type of touch is still the most experienced during the pandemic. Moreover, intimate touch is reported as the type of touch most craved during this period, thus being more prominent as the days practising social distancing increase. However, our results also show that the degree to which individuals crave touch during this period depends on individual differences in attachment style: the more anxiously attached, the more touch is craved; with the reverse pattern for avoidantly attached. These findings point to the important role of interpersonal and particularly intimate touch in times of distress and uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana von Mohr
- Lab of Action and Body, Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, London, UK
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Iberoamericana, México, Mexico
| | - Louise P. Kirsch
- Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INCC UMR 8002, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Aikaterini Fotopoulou
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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25
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Bowen J, Bulbena A, Fatjó J. The Value of Companion Dogs as a Source of Social Support for Their Owners: Findings From a Pre-pandemic Representative Sample and a Convenience Sample Obtained During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:622060. [PMID: 33935828 PMCID: PMC8081030 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.622060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are a source of companionship and comfort for their owners, but the degree to which this might translate into real emotional and social support has not been quantified. Emotional and social support are essential to help people to get through personal crises such as bereavement. In this study we characterize the social support owners obtain from their dogs, provide evidence of how widespread this social support is amongst dog-owners, and show how social support from dogs can increase during a crisis (using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example). We collected data from a representative population-based sample of Spanish dog-owners and found that most respondents said that their dogs helped them to get through tough times. They got comfort from physical contact with their dogs, shared activities with them and treated them as confidants in a similar way to friends and family. These are all key aspects of social support, and dogs offer the advantage of being more available than human sources of support. It would be expected that the support that dogs provide would be increased during a time of personal crisis and when we looked at data collected from a convenience sample of Spanish dog-owners during the COVID-19 confinement that is what we found; during the confinement owners engaged in more shared activities with their dogs, hugged them more often and turned to them more as a source of companionship and comfort (p < 0.0001 in all cases). However, although owners did confide more in their dogs (p < 0.0001), the effect was not as great as for other aspects of social support. We suspect that this is because people were able to use telecommunications such as video conferencing to maintain their human confidant relationships. Our findings indicate that dogs can substitute for humans as sources of some kinds of social support when conventional sources are unavailable. Our conclusion is that where a dog is present in a household, it should be regarded as an important resource for social support. This should be considered when designing clinical interventions and when public health decisions are being made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bowen
- Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Bulbena
- Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques - Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Mar Health Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques - Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Mar Health Park, Barcelona, Spain
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