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Melissa Hutsell is an award-winning freelance journalist with a deep rooted passion for both community and international journalism. She was born and raised in Northern California, and has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in more 20 different countries. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Global Journalism from City University London, as well as degrees in Journalism and Globalization from Humboldt State University. Though she covers various topics as both a writer and editor, she specializes in business and cannabis journalism.
What’s In A Hug? The Science Behind A Simple Embrace
Science has shown us that hugs can make us feel better.
Most studies focus on the effects of hugging, or touch, in romantic relationships; however, few explore the broader effects of a (consensual) warm embrace outside of that context. As we know, a needed hug can feel great from a friend, a family member, or just a kind soul on a bad day.
But … why? New research, published in the PLUS One journal, explored just that.
To find answers, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University studied 404 men and women. The study, led by psychologist Michael Murphy, involved daily interviews with participants. During interviews, the article reports, participants discussed “their experiences of social conflict during the day, and [described] their positive or negative emotional state.” They also reported their “hug receipt”: the amount of hugs they received that day.
They found that those who got hugs on a bad day were in better mental states than those who didn’t receive a hug after a conflict took place. In other words, interpersonal touch helped curb interpersonal conflict.
Hugs are a powerful sign of support, explained Murphy. They can have positive, comprehensive health effects. For example, it can help battle “conflict-related psychological distress to disruptions of our physical health systems, increased risk for psychiatric illnesses, and even morbidity”, the article reports.
The obvious yet significant finding shows the sign of support can be more effective than trying to talk someone through their problems, which can backfire.
Of course, it’s worth noting that not everyone likes hugs, or always feels like hugging. Generally speaking, however, hugs might be wise strategies for providing support to those you’re close to.
