Role of Touch in Cognitive Communication among Females: A Case Study

Abstract

This study qualitatively explores the understanding and need for social touch in cognitive communication. The empirical data are collected from a sample of 17 young unmarried females of 18 to 24 years through in-depth interviews. Six main themes are identified: meaning, touch need, accessibility, factors shaping touch expression, social agents of touch, and impacts of touch deprivation. The result indicates that the cultural traditions and religious narratives have significantly affected the perceptions of females in such a way that they do not realize their touch needs. This arouses concerns and points toward a prediction that it will not take much longer to see its ill effects on the general population. The findings of the study are significant to healthcare professionals and educationists to carry out focused campaigns and timely interventions. The study has resulted in both theoretical contributions to prosocial behavior literature and is a valuable addition to social touch research.