Hugs help protect against stress and infection, say Carnegie Mellon researchers

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-12/cmu-hhp121714.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 17-Dec-2014

Contact: Shilo Rea
Carnegie Mellon University
Hugs help protect against stress and infection, say Carnegie Mellon researchers

PITTSBURGH--Instead of an apple, could a hug-a-day keep the doctor away? According to new research from Carnegie Mellon University, that may not be that far-fetched of an idea.

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The results showed that perceived social support reduced the risk of infection associated with experiencing conflicts. Hugs were responsible for one-third of the protective effect of social support. Among infected participants, greater perceived social support and more frequent hugs both resulted in less severe illness symptoms whether or not they experienced conflicts.

"This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress," Cohen said. "The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy."

Cohen added, "Either way, those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection."

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