Editorial overview: Affective touch: neurobiology and function. (June 2022) - Schirmer, Annett
Abstract : Study of the tactile sense has revealed an intriguing C low threshold mechanoreceptor that the human literature refers to as a C-tactile (CT) afferent. Its firing properties imply a role in coding benign or positive physical contact with conspecifics. Touch targeted to stimulate this receptor produces phasic and tonic nervous system changes that may enhance affect, reduce stress, and facilitate social processes with potential long-term benefits via epigenetic mechanisms and learning. Here we provide an overview of a collection of opinions that reflect on current knowledge. Together, these opinions share insights from rodents, primates, and humans and cover a range of methodological approaches and perspectives. They identify scientific advances that have been made as well as problems awaiting further research. Most importantly, they converge on the significance of CT-mediated physical contact for our well-being and establish such contact as a basic human need.