A Personal Log Method for Investigating Interpersonal Touch

Summary

Most of the research on interpersonal touch has involved public settings but much of our significant contact takes place in private settings. The body-accessability studies included touch in both public and private settings, but rates of touch and settings were not reported. In the present study 76 subjects kept a log of touches received, their relationship to the toucher, the setting, and their rating of the pleasantness of the touch. There were no gender differences in rates of touch. Most touches occurred in private settings, particularly touches in personal body areas. A variety of sexual touches were reported.