Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Mike Robinson
In an increasingly digitized and automated world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the people around us. But the power of touch has been proven to offer comfort and connection that no other form of communication can provide. Contact comfort, or the physical touch of another person, can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional well-being.
Research has shown that human touch can regulate emotion, increase the production of feel-good hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, and even help heal physical wounds. It can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people. This article will explore the science behind contact comfort, why it is so powerful, and how it can foster feelings of connection.
What is “Contact Comfort”?
Contact comfort is the reassuring physical touch of another person, typically a loved one, that helps to soothe and comfort us. It is often associated with infancy and the mother-child relationship, but it can also benefit adults. Contact comfort is the idea that physical touch can provide a sense of security and connection, and experts believe it is deeply rooted in our biology.
Studies have shown that contact comfort can have numerous beneficial effects on physical and mental health. It can help to lower stress and anxiety levels, increase the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, and regulate emotion. It can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people.
The Science Behind Contact Comfort
The science behind contact comfort is rooted in the idea that physical touch is a powerful form of communication. When we touch another person, it sends signals to our brain that can trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones are associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
In addition, physical touch can help regulate our emotions. Studies have shown that another person’s reassuring touch can help reduce feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with emotional regulation, as it can provide a much-needed sense of comfort and security.
Results From the Original Study
The fundamental core of social development is the emotional attachment, or close emotional bond, a baby forms with its primary caregivers. Harry Harlow separated baby monkeys from their mothers at birth to investigate mother-infant relationships. The birth mothers were replaced with surrogate (substitute) mothers. Some consisted of cold, yielding wire. Others had soft terry cloth wrapped around them.
When the infant monkeys had a choice between the two mothers, they spent most of their time clinging to the cuddly, terry-cloth mother. This was true even when the wire mother held a bottle, making her the food source.
The love and attention displayed toward the cloth replicas are identical to those shown toward their natural mothers. For example, when frightened by rubber snakes, wind-up toys, and other fear stimuli, the infant monkeys ran to their cloth mothers and clung to them for security. These classic studies suggest that attachment begins with contact comfort, the pleasant, reassuring feeling infants get from touching something soft and warm, especially their mother.
Before this study, scientists thought that infants’ affection was caused by the satisfaction of feeding. We discovered from this research with young rhesus monkeys that close physical contact is the primary source of love.
The Benefits of Contact Comfort
The benefits of contact comfort are numerous. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, regulate emotion, and increase the production of feel-good hormones. It can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people.
For those who struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, contacting comfort can be an invaluable source of comfort and security. Research has shown that the physical touch of another person can help reduce feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. This can be especially helpful for those struggling with their mental health, as it can provide a much-needed sense of safety and connection.
In addition, contact comfort can help speed up the healing process for physical wounds. Studies have shown that physical touch can help reduce pain and inflammation and even aid in the healing of wounds. This is due to the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
How Contact Comfort Can Help Build Relationships
The power of contact comfort can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people. Studies have shown that physical touch can help increase feelings of closeness and connection and levels of trust and understanding.
In addition, contact comfort can create a sense of security and stability in relationships. When we are physically touched by another person, it can help us feel safe and connected. This can be especially helpful for those struggling with insecurity or feeling disconnected from their partner.
Tips for Incorporating Contact Comfort into Daily Life
If you’d like to incorporate contact comfort into your daily life, here are a few tips to get you started:
• Make sure to give and receive physical affection regularly. This can be as simple as a hug or holding hands.
• Take time to be intentional about physical contact with those you love. Make sure to focus on the connection and the feeling of being held or touched.
• Try to be mindful of the effect that physical touch can have. Pay attention to how it makes you feel and how it can help create a deeper connection with those around you.
• Make sure to establish boundaries around physical contact. Respect the wishes of those you touch and be aware of their comfort level.
How Contact Comfort Can Help Heal Wounds
Studies have also shown that physical touch can help speed up the healing process for physical wounds. This is due to the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, the physical touch of another person can help to reduce pain and inflammation and even aid in the healing of wounds.
This is especially beneficial for those who are dealing with chronic pain or illness. The physical touch of another person can help provide comfort and security, which can be invaluable for those struggling with their physical health.
How Technology Can Help Foster Contact Comfort
Though physical contact is the most powerful form of contact comfort, we can also use technology to foster feelings of connection. There are several ways to use technology to connect with those you love, such as video calls, text messages, and social media.
These platforms provide an easy way to stay in touch and keep up with each other’s lives.
In addition, several apps and websites help foster connections. For example, some apps allow you to send virtual hugs or cuddle with a virtual partner. These can be helpful when physical contact is not possible, and they can help to provide a sense of comfort and connection.
Effects on Mental Health
The effects of contact comfort can also be beneficial for those who are struggling with mental health issues. Research has shown that physical touch can help reduce fear, anger, and sadness. This can be especially helpful for those dealing with anxiety or depression, as it can provide a much-needed sense of safety and security.
In addition, contact comfort can help regulate emotion and increase the production of feel-good hormones. This can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and even improve overall mental health. It can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people, which can benefit those struggling with their mental health.
Examples of Contact Comfort in Action
Contact comfort shows up in many different forms. Here are a few examples of how to use it in daily life:
- holding hands
- cuddling
- massages
- hugging and kissing
- stroking and gentle caresses
These are just a few ways to incorporate contact comfort into daily life. It is important to remember that the power of physical touch goes far beyond what the eye can see. Even a simple gesture like holding hands can profoundly impact our emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Contact comfort is a powerful tool that can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. Research has shown that physical touch can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, regulate emotions, and increase the production of feel-good hormones. It can also help strengthen relationships and build trust between people. By incorporating contact comfort into our daily lives, we can foster feelings of connection and create a sense of security and stability in our relationships.
Articles you may enjoy: How to Harness Your Spiritual Power for Success
