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

Noone, Catrin; McKenna-Plumley, Phoebe E.

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.

Citation

Noone, C., & McKenna-Plumley, P. E. (2022). Lonely for Touch? A Narrative Review on the Role of Touch in Loneliness. Behaviour Change, 39(3), 157-167. https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2022.12

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 23, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jul 15, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 10, 2023
• Journal: Behaviour Change
• Print ISSN: 0813-4839
• Electronic ISSN: 2049-7768
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 157-167
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2022.12
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1198244