The simple act of coming in contact with another individual is called
touch. This article will focus on the different types of meaningful and
purposeful touch, not the ones which happen by accident. This simple act
of touch can do much more than words do. It can make a person feel
heard, understood, and accepted. It takes away from the loneliness that
we often feel.
Touch plays an important role in the formative years of children, as it
allows them to get comfortable with the idea of touch if taught
properly. Consent also plays an essential role in determining comfort
and trust levels. Negative experiences with touch and the lack of it can
also cause an aversion to touch. The correlation between anxiety,
depression, stress, and touch is large and inversely related.
Touch Comes In Many Forms
Touch comes in a variety of forms such as
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Casual touch- this is the type of touch or contact that we share with your
friends such as handshakes, high fives, hugs and back pats
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Formal touch- formal touch is used in official surroundings that include formal
handshakes
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Intimate touch- this touch is shared between family members, such as hugs, and with
romantic partners such as cuddling and so on
Touch can be a powerful way of communicating emotions non-verbally. It
offers a subtler and more nuanced approach to the way we interact with
others. Whether it is a hug or a pat on the back, touch can communicate
positive emotions such as love and gratitude. Contact can also be an
essential way of conveying sympathy. For example, when someone is
experiencing grief, sometimes an arm around their shoulder provides more
comfort than words alone.
Benefits Of Touch In A Relationship
Since now we know that touch is beneficial for us, as is building a
strong foundation for it, these benefits can be divided into physical,
cognitive, and social:
Anxiety, depression, and stress all have a significant relationship
with touch. It has been shown to reduce heart rate and relax the
individual. It can be done with the simple act of holding hands.
Oxytocin, a hormone known for fostering emotional bonds with people, is
also released as a result. Although it works even if it s just a
stranger holding your hand, the effect is best when it s a loved one.
According to research, there is a link between touch and the severity of
the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. This shows that touch
has an impact on our fundamental neuronal architecture. With the
discovery that those who are deprived of human touch are more likely to
have immune system illnesses, it appears that even our immunological
response may be partially influenced by touch.
The advantages of human touch also include increasing our sense of
social acceptance and connection. In one study, a team of NBA basketball
players really performed better when they made team-building gestures
like backslapping, chest bumping, and high-five exchanges while on the
floor. This, according to researchers, indicates the effectiveness of
touch in conveying collaboration and confidence. According to experts,
holding a baby s hand during a stressful time can help calm them down
and reduce their stress levels. A back rub can also help infants fall
asleep.
Oxytocin has a self-renewing nature. It s how your body encourages you
to establish and sustain relationships with others, as well as how it
rewards you for doing so. According to studies, oxytocin increases your
feelings of generosity, empathy, nurturing, collaboration, and
gratitude, all of which help you be a better lover, parent, friend, and
coworker. Particularly, gratitude is such a potent emotional connector
that many psychologists refer to it as the psychological "glue" that
holds relationships together. Having physical contact is crucial when
establishing new relationships. For instance, when a stranger shakes
your hand, you re more inclined to trust them because their touch
releases the neurotransmitter oxytocin, which increases your level of
trust in them.
Tips To Use Physical Intimacy To Increase Relational Intimacy
Relational intimacy is often characterized by a sense of love, trust,
and vulnerability between individuals. It is moderated through acts of
shared experiences and values. Physical intimacy can be used to promote
relational intimacy through small acts of physical touch while
respecting your partner s boundaries, needs and wants, discussing what
is optimal for the both of you, making them feel comfortable, giving
them the time to be comfortable with your touch, being patient and
understanding and being purposeful about your touch. Having a meaning
behind the touch that you share and your partner being aware of the
meaning that you wish to translate should be clear and up for
discussion. This is how physical intimacy can be used to promote
relational wellness
Importance Of Touch In Relationships
The hormone of love or cuddles, oxytocin, is essential during pregnancy
and early childhood. This hormone continues to be essential for close
connections throughout our entire lives. encourages the release of
oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone”. Touch can be a potent
non-verbal tool for expressing feelings. It provides a subtler and more
complex way of interacting with others. Touch, whether it be a hug or a
pat on the back, can express uplifting feelings of love and thanks.
Making eye contact is another crucial component of expressing sympathy.
An arm around someone s shoulder, for instance, can sometimes be more
consoling than words when they are grieving.
A couple
Therapist, by explaining the importance of touch, can repair relationships. Lack
of touch often creates tension between partners, and it is essential for
both to understand the importance of touch and how it contributes
positively to the relationship