Giving each other a hug seems like a simple and frequent behavior, but in reality it is something quite complex to explain scientifically. There’s no question about the positive emotional benefits of a warm hug, according to new research.
Hypothetically speaking, we all believe that hugging is good, because we cushion the harmful consequences of psychological stress in some way.
When we hug, we engage in what psychologists call ‘interpersonal contact’, which can basically reduce distress levels, help prevent illness, and have effects that are even more surprising.
However, until now, much of the research on hugging has focused on hugs given in the context of romantic relationships, limiting the extent to which we can measure the benefits of hugging more broadly.
When the researchers analyzed the responses, they found that receiving a hug on a day of interpersonal conflict was associated with better emotional well-being, compared to days when the conflict occurred but no hugs were shared.
“We still have questions about when, how and to whom hugs are most useful,” says Murphy. “However, our study suggests that consensual hugs might be helpful in showing support for someone who has a long-term relationship conflict.”
This may seem obvious enough, but it is still an important finding, given all we know about how conflicts negatively impact our health.
As researchers point out in the journal PloS One, such harm ranges from everything from conflict-related psychological distress to increased risk of psychiatric illness and even morbidity.
It was time to do a new study
With so much at stake, knowing how a hug can positively affect our emotional state and, therefore, our health in general, becomes an investigation to consider.
Experts suggest that hugging our loved ones (family, friends, partner …) can sometimes be the most effective way to show support (rather than trying to solve their problems).
Generally speaking, as long as you are emotionally close enough to that person, hugging can be a smarter strategy than any other technique.
“Interpersonal tactile behaviors, such as hugging, can dampen stressors such as conflict by increasing perceptions of the availability of social support by tangibly conveying attention and empathy without communicating anything negative,” the authors write.
So, without further ado, hug, in silence. Words are not necessary.
Reference: Receiving a hug is associated with the attenuation of negative mood that occurs on days with interpersonal conflict. Michael LM Murphy, Denise Janicki-Deverts, Published: 2018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203522
