Dacher Keltner, executive director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, shares insights from the new science of touch: compassionate communication, touch therapies, and proof that “to touch is to give life.â€
The social functions of touch include:
- feelings of reward
- reciprocity
- signals safety
- soothes
- releases oxytocin
- promotes cooperation
The results of Touch Therapy are even more significant:
- Increases weight of premature babies by 47%
- Reduces depression in patients with Alzheimers
- Doubles likelihood children will speak in class
- Boosts library use and enjoyment
From a persuasive technology point of view, we wonder if iPhone apps can be created that can create feelings of well being through the multi-touch interface. Â Your thoughts?
