A world without hugs. No, this isn’t the opening of a dystopian novel or a particularly bleak episode of Black Mirror. It’s a stark reality that once plagued orphanages in 19th-century New York, where tiny babies died like flies despite being fed, cleaned, and generally maintained like needy houseplants.
The importance of physical affection, particularly in the form of hugs, has been a subject of scientific inquiry and historical significance. Let’s explore the consequences of touch deprivation, the scientific benefits of hugging, and the role of physical affection in human health and well-being.
The tragic consequences of touch deprivation
In 19th-century New York, orphanages witnessed a startling phenomenon: infants were dying at alarming rates despite receiving adequate food, hygiene and general care. The cause was traced back to paediatrics professor Luther Emmett Holt Sr., who discouraged showing affection to children, deeming it unscientific.
Babies under six months should never be played with: and the less of it at anytime the better for the infant. They are made nervous and irritable, sleep badly and suffer from indigestion.
The result was a Greek tragedy of epic proportions, quite literally. The condition afflicting these touch-starved tykes was dubbed “marasmus,” a Greek term meaning “to waste away.” It turns out that human contact isn’t just a nice-to-have, like heated car seats or those little umbrellas in cocktails. It’s as essential as your morning coffee, only infinitely more cuddly.
The Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II had already underscored the importance of physical affection in what can only be described as an ill-conceived linguistic experiment in the 13th century. He decided to see what language children would speak if never spoken to. Tragically, the answer was the universal language of mortality. It turns out that babies need more than just clean nappies and mushy peas to thrive.
He laboured in vain, for the children could not live without clappings of the hands, and gestures, and gladness of countenance, and blandishments.
The benefits of hugging
Fast forward to modern times, and the power of hugs remains as relevant as ever. Dr. Christy Kane’s research found that college students who engaged in eight daily hugs, each lasting eight seconds, experienced reduced anxiety and depression within just two weeks. These findings highlight the potential of hugging as a simple yet effective intervention for mental health.
Hugging has many health benefits, such as lower stress levels, a strengthened immune system, and decreased blood pressure and heart rate. These advantages rival those of many pharmaceutical interventions with fewer co-pays and with an added dose of oxytocin.
Kissing and longevity
The Gottman Institute’s research offers an intriguing finding for those inclined towards romance. Men who kissed their wives for six seconds when leaving for and returning from work tended to live four years longer than average. This suggests that physical affection within romantic relationships may have far-reaching implications for longevity.
Conclusion
The scientific and historical evidence overwhelmingly supports the vital importance of human contact, particularly in the form of hugs. From preventing tragic outcomes in orphanages to promoting mental and physical well-being in modern times, the power of physical affection cannot be overstated.
If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: Hug people. Hug them often, hug them well, and for the love of cuddly, hug them for at least eight seconds. Your stress levels, immune system, and possibly even your lifespan will thank you. And if anyone gives you odd looks, tell them you’re conducting important scientific research.
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