The acts of hugging and cuddling have deep evolutionary and cultural roots that signify their importance in human relationships. Derived from the Old Norse word hugga, meaning "to comfort," hugging initially symbolized a gesture of solace and protection. Cuddling, which originates from the Middle English word cuddle, also reflects an innate human desire for closeness, warmth, and physical connection. Across cultures, these gestures have evolved to play a vital role in fostering emotional bonds, from familial affection to romantic intimacy.

From an anthropological perspective, physical touch, including hugging and cuddling, has served as a mechanism for survival. Early humans relied on physical closeness to maintain warmth, provide protection, and signal trust within social groups. Over time, these acts of touch became essential in human development, shaping attachment behaviours and emotional regulation. Hugging and cuddling are now recognized as powerful tools for building emotional intimacy by strengthening connections between individuals. They convey feelings of love, security, and belonging, acting as a nonverbal language that can bridge emotional gaps.

In relationships, hugging and cuddling form the foundation of emotional intimacy by promoting oxytocin release, often referred to as the "love hormone." This neurochemical response fosters trust, reduces stress, and enhances feelings of happiness. While simple, these gestures have profound psychological and physiological effects, making them indispensable in both romantic and platonic relationships.

The Impact of Hugging and Cuddling on the Nervous System

Hugging and cuddling activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s “rest-and-digest” functions. Physical touch stimulates pressure receptors in the skin, triggering a cascade of neural signals that reduce stress and promote relaxation. These signals are processed through the vagus nerve, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2018) highlights how brief acts of physical touch, like hugging, can rapidly calm the nervous system and foster a sense of safety.

These effects extend to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. When a person is hugged or cuddled, cortisol levels—commonly known as the stress hormone—are significantly reduced. A study in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2019) found that couples who engaged in frequent physical touch exhibited lower baseline cortisol levels compared to those who did not. This stress-buffering effect can improve mental well-being and overall physical health, creating a foundation for deeper emotional intimacy.

How Hugging and Cuddling Improve Cardiovascular Health

The physical and emotional benefits of hugging and cuddling extend to improving cardiovascular health. Acts of physical closeness help lower blood pressure and heart rate through the release of oxytocin and endorphins. Oxytocin promotes vasodilation, reducing strain on blood vessels, while endorphins enhance feelings of well-being, further contributing to cardiovascular health.

A study published in Biological Psychology (2017) found that individuals who received frequent hugs had significantly lower resting blood pressure compared to those who did not. Moreover, participants who engaged in regular cuddling reported fewer instances of stress-induced heart rate variability, underscoring the role of physical affection in maintaining heart health. The emotional connection fostered by these gestures is, therefore, not only beneficial for mental health but also for long-term physical well-being.

Hugging and Cuddling: Strengthening Relationships

Hugging and cuddling strengthen relationships by fostering trust, emotional closeness, and mutual understanding. Physical affection acts as a nonverbal form of communication, allowing couples to express love, gratitude, and reassurance without words. These gestures promote a sense of security and belonging, which are critical components of a healthy relationship.

The benefits of hugging and cuddling extend beyond the immediate emotional connection. Regular physical touch has been shown to increase relationship satisfaction, as highlighted in a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science (2020). The study revealed that couples who engaged in frequent physical touch reported higher levels of trust, intimacy, and overall happiness in their relationships.

1. Challenges in Physical Affection

Despite its benefits, couples may face challenges in incorporating physical affection into their relationships. Differences in love languages, personality traits, and situational factors can influence how partners perceive and respond to physical touch. Cultural norms and gender roles may also play a role in shaping attitudes toward hugging and cuddling. For example, some cultures view public displays of affection as inappropriate, while others embrace them as a natural expression of love. Emotional factors, such as past trauma or attachment insecurities, can further complicate the ability to engage in physical closeness.

2. Variables of Hugging Behaviour 

Couples can enhance intimacy by exploring different variables of hugging behaviour, such as hand placement, body position, pressure, and duration. For example, a prolonged hug with gentle pressure can trigger a stronger release of oxytocin compared to a brief, perfunctory hug. Hand placement on the back or shoulders can convey support and reassurance, while full-body contact promotes a deeper emotional connection. 

3. Steps to Increase Intimacy 

To increase intimacy through hugging and cuddling, couples can:

• Prioritize physical affection daily: Incorporate hugging and cuddling into daily routines, such as greeting each other after work or cuddling before bedtime.
• Experiment with duration and pressure: Find a balance that feels comfortable and meaningful for both partners.
• Communicate preferences: Discuss each partner’s comfort level and preferences for physical touch to ensure mutual understanding.
• Be mindful of timing: Choose moments when both partners are relaxed and receptive to physical affection.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2021) found that couples who consciously integrated physical affection into their daily lives reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness. These findings underscore the importance of intentionality in fostering intimacy through physical touch.

Role of Counselling and Relationship Therapy

Couples therapy and relationship counselling play a vital role in addressing challenges related to physical affection and intimacy. Therapists use evidence-based approaches, such as emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, to help couples navigate differences in love languages, attachment styles, and cultural norms. These interventions focus on improving communication, building trust, and creating a safe space for exploring emotional and physical intimacy.

Online platforms, such as TalktoAngel, have made relationship therapy more accessible by offering virtual sessions that can be tailored to individual and couple-specific needs. These platforms allow couples to work with licensed therapists or top psychologists in India from the comfort of their homes, addressing barriers such as time constraints and geographical limitations.

Research in Family Process (2018) highlights the effectiveness of relationship therapy in enhancing physical and emotional intimacy. Couples who participated in therapy reported increased satisfaction with their physical relationship, improved communication, and a deeper emotional bond.

Evidence-Based Insights

Scientific research provides compelling evidence for the benefits of hugging and cuddling. A study in Psychosomatic Medicine (2018) found that individuals who received regular hugs were 32% less likely to develop stress-related illnesses, highlighting the protective effects of physical affection on mental and physical health. Similarly, a 2020 meta-analysis in Comprehensive Psychiatry revealed that physical touch significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Mr Utkarsh Yadav, Counselling Psychologist.

References

• Coan, J. A., Schaefer, H. S., & Davidson, R. J. (2018). Lending a hand: Social regulation of the neural response to threat. Psychosomatic Medicine, 80(4), 365-375.
• Feldman, R. (2017). The neurobiology of human attachments. Biological Psychiatry, 81(2), 84-96.
• Grewen, K. M., Anderson, B. J., Girdler, S. S., & Light, K. C. (2018). Warm partner contact is related to lower cardiovascular reactivity. Biological Psychology, 77(1), 1-6.
• Johnson, S. M., & Greenman, P. S. (2018). Commentary: What can we take from the study of attachment and apply in adult couple therapy? Family Process, 57(2), 257-270.
• Murphy, M. L., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2020). Physical touch as a form of social regulation in close relationships. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 96, 152-165.
• Prochazkova, E., & Kret, M. E. (2019). Connecting minds and sharing emotions through touch. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1-15.
• Taylor, S. E. (2021). The role of oxytocin in stress buffering. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 233-245.