Lonely for Touch? A Narrative Review on the Role of Touch in Loneliness

Abstract

Loneliness is an increasingly ubiquitous topic in academic, policy, and healthcare domains. This work typically focuses on its negative physical and mental health consequences, generally employing a singular cognitive definition of loneliness. In doing so, one central aspect of our social world has been neglected in loneliness research and policy: touch. Touch is a fundamental human behaviour and a powerful form of communication which plays a role in physical and psychological wellbeing. This narrative review outlines a conceptual basis upon which to consider the relationship between loneliness and social touch and reviews the available research examining this connection. There are strong indications that these social phenomena can interact in a variety of ways and this review argues that elements of presence, absence, and type of touch may impact upon loneliness experiences. Additionally, this review considers the challenges inherent to researching touch and loneliness, reflecting on their sensitive and subjective nature. The increasing relevance of the touch–loneliness connection is described in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations are given for research, policy, and practice. This review proposes that touch should be a key topic for investigation in loneliness research and outlines the potentially invaluable role of touch in understanding loneliness.

An investigation of simulated and real touch on feelings of loneliness

“…This is perspicuous when considering that touch-based bonding mechanisms are deeply rooted in human evolution 11 . If viewing loneliness as an embodied and contextualised sensory experience, the relationship with touch is clear 12 . Furthermore, the demand for more research investigating the interaction of touch and loneliness has grown 12 .…”

“…If viewing loneliness as an embodied and contextualised sensory experience, the relationship with touch is clear 12 . Furthermore, the demand for more research investigating the interaction of touch and loneliness has grown 12 .…”

“…Some evidence suggests that touch with a stranger has reduced threat regulation compared to touch with a stranger 19 , with recent evidence suggesting it might have no effect 20 . However, when discussing loneliness, a welcomed touch from a stranger has been shown to lower feelings of loneliness 12 , 13 . Support from weak ties can also be effective, but work is needed to establish the situations in which this is true 21 .…”

Should Artificial Intelligence Play a Role in Cultivating Social Connections Among Older Adults?

“…2,3 By contrast, physical connections (eg, seeing others in person, receiving and giving pats on the back and hugs) are extremely beneficial to older adults' well-being and sense of belonging. 19,20 Furthermore, while older adults in senior housing might experience social isolation, 21 researchers have shown that older adults benefit from connections with people of different generations. 21,22,23 If developed strategically, AI has immense potential for fostering social connections in old age, thereby decreasing social isolation and loneliness, especially among older adults living alone.…”

An Update on Loneliness Theory and Practice for Health Professionals

“…For people who lived alone during COVID-19 long lockdowns, the absence of social touch was emphasised, and people spoke of a desire to hug their loved ones and to be physically close to other people again. Noone and McKenna-Plumley's (2022) narrative review argues that elements of presence, absence, and type of touch may impact upon loneliness experiences. Disentangling the relationship between loneliness and the presence/absence of wanted and unwanted touch is identified as a challenging but important avenue for future research, while practitioners are urged to consider the suitability of using touch in their work with lonely service users and clients.…”