Some methods that people can try to overcome or reduce the sensation of touch starvation include the following: Therefore, having a lack of physical contact may result in some people experiencing what many refer to as touch starvation. A 2015 study even suggests that human touch may help fight off infections. One 2017 study notes that embracing and patting children in distress has a soothing effect. Touch can also be calming and reassuring for people experiencing distress. This area of the brain is involved with emotional and social behaviors, as well as learning and decision making. Touch can activate particular areas of the brain and may influence thought processes, reactions, and physiological responses.įor example, research suggests that affective touch activates the orbitofrontal cortex. Many studies emphasize the importance of social touch in human development. Research has found that touch is important for humans when it comes to communicating emotions and maintaining relationships. Some people may compare it to the desire for food during hunger. Touch starvation refers to the desire for physical contact that people may experience after receiving little to no physical interaction with others for a period of time. Share on Pinterest Sebastian Kopp / EyeEm/Getty Images
