Behavioural and neural markers of a lack of social touch

Social touch has been shown to be crucial for development, well-being as well as to be one of the most efficient ways to communicate affective emotions. However, despite its importance, the consequences of lack of social touch has been little studied in human adults, while tactile interactions have decreased drastically these past decades with the increase of people suffering from social isolation. In that context there is a crucial need for a better understanding of the impacts of social touch deprivation. Several projects are envisageable on that topic. For instance, we will investigate the behavioural markers of social touch deprivation, in studying psychological traits, sensory perception and vicarious perception of tactile interactions. In another project, we will investigate the physiological and neural markers underlying a lack of social touch. I encourage prospective interns to contact me, so that we can decide on a project on the topic of social touch and in line with your interests.