Autistic Traits Related to the Importance of Interpersonal Touch and Appreciation of Observed Touch during COVID-19 Social Distancing.

ABSTRACT: Studies have confirmed the significance of touch for psychological wellbeing. Social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced people's ability to engage in interpersonal touch and caused increased an appreciation for observed touch, as well as a longing for touch within the neurotypical population. Yet, while the impact of social distancing and the importance of touch are evident in neurotypical individuals, it remains unclear how these factors manifest in autistic individuals. Previous research has related high levels of autistic traits to reduced levels of perceived pleasantness of touch and a reduced interest in interpersonal touch. Our study aimed to examine the differences in the appreciation of observed touch and longing for touch during social distancing between i

SUBMITTER: de Jong JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10531349 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature