Chantal Triscoli1, Ilona Croy2, Susann Steudte-Schmiedgen3, Håkan Olausson4, Uta Sailer5. 1. Dept. of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurophysiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Electronic address: chantal.triscoli@psy.gu.se. 2. Dept. of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. 3. Dept. of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. 4. Clinical Neurophysiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. 5. Dept. of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Dept. of Behavioral Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The present study explores whether long-lasting pleasant touch has positive effects on the stress response, reward sensitivity, mood, and interoceptive awareness. METHODS: 40 participants received either 35min of brush stroking targeting C-tactile fibres (CT) or vibration on the forearm, and rated pleasantness and intensity. Prior and after, stress response (cortisol and heart rate variability), reward sensitivity, mood and interoceptive awareness were measured. RESULTS: Pleasantness decreased over time for both groups, with brush stroking being perceived as more pleasant and intense than vibration. Heart rate variability (SDNN) increased for brush stroking only, and was related to the higher pleasantness and intensity. No significant effect of CT-optimal touch was observed on any of the other measures. DISCUSSION: The beneficial effect of pleasant touch on heart rate variability suggests a neuronal link between CT-fibre stimulation and autonomic regulation, and highlights the potential of long-lasting touch to improve the physiological response.
INTRODUCTION: The present study explores whether long-lasting pleasant touch has positive effects on the stress response, reward sensitivity, mood, and interoceptive awareness. METHODS: 40 participants received either 35min of brush stroking targeting C-tactile fibres (CT) or vibration on the forearm, and rated pleasantness and intensity. Prior and after, stress response (cortisol and heart rate variability), reward sensitivity, mood and interoceptive awareness were measured. RESULTS: Pleasantness decreased over time for both groups, with brush stroking being perceived as more pleasant and intense than vibration. Heart rate variability (SDNN) increased for brush stroking only, and was related to the higher pleasantness and intensity. No significant effect of CT-optimal touch was observed on any of the other measures. DISCUSSION: The beneficial effect of pleasant touch on heart rate variability suggests a neuronal link between CT-fibre stimulation and autonomic regulation, and highlights the potential of long-lasting touch to improve the physiological response.
Authors: Nicole A Roberts; Mary H Burleson; Keenan Pituch; Melissa Flores; Carrie Woodward; Shiza Shahid; Mike Todd; Mary C Davis Journal: Affect Sci Date: 2022-02-03
Authors: Andrea Manzotti; Francesco Cerritelli; Jorge E Esteves; Gianluca Lista; Erica Lombardi; Simona La Rocca; Alberto Gallace; Francis P McGlone; Susannah C Walker Journal: Dev Cogn Neurosci Date: 2019-08-21 Impact factor: 6.464