We live in a world where physical contact is becoming increasingly rare, and many of us are feeling the effects.
Touch deprivation has been linked to negative emotional and psychological impacts, as well as physical health issues.
This article will explore the effects of touch deprivation on our mental and physical health and how we can improve our wellbeing by making sure we are getting enough touches each day.
What is Touch Deprivation
Touch deprivation is the lack of physical contact with another person. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as social isolation, physical distance from loved ones, fear of touch due to trauma or other psychological issues, and even a lack of appropriate social skills.
Touch plays a critical role in communication between people, as it conveys emotions, affection, and support. Research has shown that touch can help to reduce stress levels, improve cognitive functions, enhance the immune system, and even increase life expectancy.
The Importance of Touch
Touch plays a critical role in early development and bonding, particularly for infants. Studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact between an infant and their caregiver can help to reduce stress levels, improve cognitive functions, enhance the immune system, and even increase life expectancy.
Touch is an important part of connecting with others emotionally and forming meaningful relationships. Studies have shown that touch can improve relationship satisfaction by increasing feelings of trust, closeness, and companionship, as well as reducing stress.
Causes and Risk Factors of Touch Deprivation
Social isolation and loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness are two of the most common causes of touch deprivation. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as physical distance from loved ones, fear of touch due to trauma or other psychological issues, and even a lack of appropriate social skills.
Cultural and societal factors
Cultural and societal norms can also play a role in touch deprivation, as certain cultures may prioritize physical contact less than others. Additionally, some societies may be more prone to stigmatizing physical contact, particularly between people of different genders or sexual orientations.
Physical and mental health conditions
Touch deprivation has been linked to a range of physical and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, immune system dysfunction, and even chronic pain. Without regular physical contact with another person, our bodies may not receive the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and balanced.
Effects of Touch Deprivation on Mental Health
- Increase in stress, anxiety, and depression
Touch deprivation can have a significant effect on mental health, leading to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression. Research has shown that physical contact with another human can trigger the release of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin—both of which help to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
- Impaired emotional regulation and self-esteem
The lack of physical contact due to touch deprivation can lead to impaired emotional regulation and decreased self-esteem. Without regular physical contact, it can be difficult to regulate emotions, as physical contact has been found to reduce the production of cortisol—the body’s stress hormone.
- Impact on neurobiology and brain functioning
Touch deprivation can have a profound effect on neurobiology and brain functioning, as physical contact is an important factor in the development and maintenance of neural pathways. Studies have shown that touch helps to stimulate the release of hormones such as oxytocin which helps to regulate stress levels, enhance learning, and increase social connection.
Effects of Touch Deprivation on Physical Health
1. Weakened immune system and decreased healing ability
Touch deprivation can have a negative effect on physical health, weakening the immune system and decreasing healing ability. Studies have shown that physical contact triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin which helps to regulate stress levels, enhance learning, and increase social connection.
2. Increase in pain perception and sensitivity
Touch deprivation can also lead to an increase in pain perception and sensitivity. Studies have shown that regular physical contact not only helps to regulate stress levels, but can also reduce pain perception and sensitivity. Without regular physical contact, the body may be more sensitive to pain stimuli, resulting in higher levels of perceived discomfort.
3. Negative impact on cardiovascular health
Touch deprivation can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, as it has been linked to increased levels of cortisol – the body’s stress hormone. Research has shown that regular physical contact triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin, which helps to regulate stress levels and reduce cortisol production.
Strategies to Address Touch Deprivation
1. Incorporating safe and appropriate touch in daily life
Incorporating safe and appropriate touch into daily life is important for managing touch deprivation and its effects on mental and physical health. Safe and appropriate touch can include hugs, holding hands, cuddling, or even simple gestures such as patting on the back or shoulder.
2. Seeking professional touch therapies and interventions
Seeking professional touch therapies and interventions can be an effective way to manage the effects of touch deprivation. Professional touch therapies can include massage, Reiki, reflexology, CranioSacral therapy, or other energy healing treatments. Additionally, psychotherapy and counseling may also be beneficial in helping to manage feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression due to lack of physical contact with others.
3. Building and maintaining meaningful connections and social support
Building and maintaining meaningful connections with others, as well as having access to social support can help to reduce the effects of touch deprivation. Studies have shown that meaningful relationships are essential for mental health, providing a sense of belonging, connection, acceptance, validation, and trust.
Conclusion
Touch deprivation can have a significant negative impact on physical, mental, and emotional health. Without regular physical contact, our bodies may not receive the hormones and endorphins necessary to regulate stress levels, enhance learning, and reduce pain perception. Additionally, touch deprivation has been linked to an increase in cortisol production which can lead to negative effects on cardiovascular health. To address the effects of touch deprivation, it is important to incorporate safe and appropriate touch into daily life, seek professional touch therapies and interventions, and build and maintain meaningful connections with others.
