Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

In brief: Hugs heartfelt in more ways than one

In brief

Hugs heartfelt in more ways than one

Once dubbed “the universal medicine,” hugs convey both comfort and affection. Now research suggests that they may have additional health benefits.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina recruited 59 women ages 20–49 who had been living with a spouse or monogamous partner for at least six months. All the participants answered questionnaires designed to assess the frequency of affectionate physical contacts with their partners, such as holding hands and hugging. Then the researchers measured the women’s blood levels of oxytocin, a hormone made in the pituitary gland that induces relaxation and lowers anxiety.

During the first phase of the experiment, the women were asked to sit with their partners on a loveseat and talk for a couple of minutes about a time they felt particularly close; they then watched a romantic video for 5 minutes, talked for 2 minutes more, and ended with a 20-second hug. After this period of “warm contact,” the women separated from their partners and underwent a “post-contact stressor” phase in which they prepared and recorded a speech about a recent anger-provoking or stressful event. Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxytocin levels were measured before, during, and after each phase of the experiment.

Higher oxytocin levels were correlated with lower blood pressure and heart rates before the warm contact phase—likely the combined effect of anticipation and prior positive experiences with the partners. Higher oxytocin levels were also associated with lower blood pressure during the stressful task. Women who said they got more hugs from their partners generally had higher oxytocin levels at all phases of testing. The researchers conclude that oxytocin may be a link between hugging and lower blood pressure. Several animal studies lend support to this idea; for example, oxytocin rises and blood pressure falls in rats when their bellies are stroked. Research in humans has shown that oxytocin is released in response to stress by both males and females, but its effects are enhanced by female hormones and reduced by male hormones.

Because high blood pressure is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, these findings may help explain why people with emotional support from a spouse or partner are less likely to die from heart disease. The investigators propose further research on warm touch and the influence of oxytocin in parent-infant bonding and other close, long-term relationships.

Last updated:	August 21, 2006