Table 5.

Study results on the effects of physical contact

Strengthens the immune system, reduces stress and can relieve tension and pain (mechanism of action; Wagener, 2001, cit. in Stueck, 2008). Safety and self-protection are conveyed through touch, which is why the sense of touch and feeling is important for adults into old age (Field, 2003, cit. in Stueck, 2008). A lack of physical closeness can therefore lead to low self-esteem. In addition, it is generally assumed that a lack of physical proximity promotes a pathological form of attachment and relationship (Gloger-Tippelt, 2012). Touch has an influence on the organs, identity, emotionality, self-confidence (Toro, 2010).