Positive Touch Deprivation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects on Anxiety, Stress, and Depression among Italian General Population

Abstract

Physical distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic has limited the opportunities for family members, friends, and significant others to show physical affection (i.e., hugs, kisses, caresses, holding hands) during social interactions. The present study investigated the effects of positive touch and psychological distress in 991 Italian participants (Mage = 34.43, SD = 14.27). Results showed the frequency of hugs with the cohabiting partner significantly decreased the symptoms of depression (β = −1.187, p = 0.018, eβ = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.11–0.82), whereas the frequency of caresses with cohabiting relatives predicted the symptoms of anxiety (β = 0.575, p = 0.034, eβ = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.04–3.03). The frequency of hugs (β = −0.609, p = 0.049, eβ = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30–1.00), and kisses (β = 0.663, p = 0.045, eβ = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.01–3.71) with non-cohabiting relatives predicted the symptoms of anxiety (χ2 = 1.35, df = 5, p = 0.93). These results suggest the importance of positive touch on psychological well-being in the social context.

Effects of cancer severity on the relationship between emotional intelligence, perceived social support, and psychological distress in Italian women

“…Literature shows that female sex and advanced-stages cancers are among the major risk factors for high psychological distress [ 12 ]. The widespread of COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on both the general population [ 13 – 16 ] and cancer patients [ 17 , 18 ]. In addition, the interruption of medical screening due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the diagnosis of advanced-stages cancers and a consequent reduction in the prevalence of early forms in Italian women [ 19 ].…”

Touch Avoidance with Close People and Strangers: Effects of Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Relationship Status

“…Human contact through physical touch is a core element in social bonding, which facilitates psychosocial well-being [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Indeed, researchers have found that positive touch, which has decreased in the context of a global pandemic, may affect psychological well-being [ 3 ].…”

“…Human contact through physical touch is a core element in social bonding, which facilitates psychosocial well-being [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Indeed, researchers have found that positive touch, which has decreased in the context of a global pandemic, may affect psychological well-being [ 3 ]. Physical touch enables the communication of motivations and emotions, and early maternal touch is associated with the age-appropriate development of infant social brain areas and secure attachment [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”