Touch has been proven to have significant benefits on both physical and mental health across all ages. A comprehensive review of 212 studies involving 12,966 participants revealed that physical touch can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety. The research found that head and face touches are the most effective, with shorter, more frequent touches yielding better reactions.
When it comes to the effectiveness of touch, human and animal touch was found to be more beneficial than touch from objects like robots. Newborns benefit greatly from parental touch, but familiarity with the touch becomes less important as we age. Researchers emphasize that touch can be optimized for maximum impact but consent is crucial for its effectiveness.
According to the data, spending more time in physical contact can enhance overall health. Touch is considered an essential sense as it is the first sense to develop and impacts well-being significantly. Researchers advise not to hesitate to hug loved ones while ensuring consent for mutual benefit.