A Theory of Social Thermoregulation in Human Primates

Abstract

Beyond breathing, the regulation of body temperature-thermoregulation-is one of the most pressing concerns for many animals. A dysregulated body temperature has dire consequences for survival and development. Despite the high frequency of social thermoregulation occurring across many species, little is known about the role of social thermoregulation in human (social) psychological functioning. We outline a theory of social thermoregulation and reconsider earlier research on people's expectations of their social world (i.e., attachment) and their prediction of the social world. We provide support and outline a research agenda that includes consequences for individual variation in self-regulatory strategies and capabilities. In our paper, we discuss physiological, neural, and social processes surrounding thermoregulation. Emphasizing social thermoregulation in particular, we appeal to the economy of action principle and the hierarchical organization of human thermoregulatory systems. We close with future directions of a crucial aspect of human functioning: the social regulation of body temperature.

Helping Others, Warming Yourself: Altruistic Behaviors Increase Warmth Feelings of the Ambient Environment

“…First, warmth is a fundamental need of humans and other primates. This has been supported by earlier studies on development and attachment (e.g., Harlow, 1958 ) as well as by a recent model of thermoregulation ( IJzerman et al, 2015a ). Feeling of warmth could be a source of security ( Harlow, 1958 ) and individuals could use feeling of warmth as an indicator of social resources ( IJzerman et al, 2015a ).…”

“…This has been supported by earlier studies on development and attachment (e.g., Harlow, 1958 ) as well as by a recent model of thermoregulation ( IJzerman et al, 2015a ). Feeling of warmth could be a source of security ( Harlow, 1958 ) and individuals could use feeling of warmth as an indicator of social resources ( IJzerman et al, 2015a ). Research on winter depression implied that lack of warmth could be a threat to mental health (e.g., Molin et al, 1996 ).…”

“…In the current research, we explored the effects of altruistic behaviors on individuals’ physical feelings, focusing in particular on warmth. Warmth is a fundamental need to humans and other primates (e.g., Harlow, 1958 ; IJzerman et al, 2015a ). Moreover, warmth perception of the ambient environment is a typical variable that links the psychological and physical worlds.…”

“…Researchers have linked feelings of warmth to social behaviors and social cognitions. Recently, IJzerman et al (2015a) proposed a social thermoregulation model. According to this model, thermoregulation is costly for a single individual; therefore, social interactions (e.g., bodily contact) are vital and economic for animals to maintain proper body temperatures.…”

Tears of joy, aesthetic chills and heartwarming feelings: Physiological correlates of Kama Muta

“…Notably, the observed effect size was small. It has been discussed whether such a change is actually reflected in objective changes in temperature or rather refers to metaphorical embodiment of communality and warmth (IJzerman et al., 2015; Zickfeld, Schubert, Seibt, Blomster, et al, 2019). The present study seems to provide some support for the actual occurrence of ST changes.…”