Why do we love a slow touch?

Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire will be presenting their research into touching at an international congress with researchers from around the world.

The International Association for the Study of Affective Touch (IASAT) inaugural congress will explore the nature and role of touching in the human brain.

Hertfordshire PhD student Laura Crucianelli will be presenting her research on the role of affective touch on the sense of body ownership.

Laura’s study involved 52 participants undergoing a rubber hand illusion experiment, in which participants watch a rubber hand being stroked in synchrony with their own, and they begin to believe that the fake hand belongs to them. The study demonstrated that slow tactile stimulation made participants more likely to believe that the rubber hand was their own, compared with the faster neutral touch.

“As affective touch is typically received from a loved one, these findings further highlight how close relationships involve behaviours that may play a crucial role in the construction of a sense of self,” commented Ms Crucianelli.

University of Hertfordshire lecturer Dr Paul Jenkinson has been invited to chair a research session at the IASAT.

“Historically, there has been very little research into why certain kinds of touch are considered pleasant, and how this contributes to our sense of self. This meeting of the IASAT will be the first of its kind, bringing together researchers from all over the world to discuss the role of touch in our lives” commented Dr Jenkinson.

During the IASAT congress, the mission and governance of its Society will be decided. The event is being held at University College London on 20-22 March - for more information visit their events page.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

For more information, please contact Kelsey Arif, University of Hertfordshire Press Office on 01707 285163, Email: k.arif3@herts.ac.uk

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For more information, please visit www.herts.ac.uk