Psychology of intimacy

Touch starvation

Alsoskin hungertouch deprivationaffection deprivationtouch-starvedtouch hungertouch deprived

Definition

Touch starvation, also called skin hunger, is the sense of lacking enough affectionate physical contact, such as hugs or cuddles, in daily life.

At a glance

  • Touch starvation, or skin hunger, is a sense of lacking enough affectionate physical contact.
  • Kory Floyd's research links affection deprivation with loneliness and stress.
  • The topic drew wider attention during periods of social distancing.
  • Ideal amounts of touch differ, and some people prefer little touch.

In detail

Communication researcher Kory Floyd has studied what he calls affection deprivation, finding links between receiving less affectionate touch than one wants and higher loneliness, stress and poorer wellbeing. The topic drew wider attention during periods of social distancing.

Non-sexual touch matters for many people, from friends hugging to pets and massage. Some people seek out platonic cuddling or partner dancing for this reason. Everyone's ideal amount differs, and some people, including many who are neurodivergent, may prefer little touch.

In a sentence

  • Living alone during lockdown, I didn't realise how touch-starved I was until a friend hugged me.
  • He signed up for partner dancing partly because he felt touch-starved.

Common questions

What are signs of touch starvation?

People describe feeling lonely, low or stressed, and noticing a strong longing for hugs or physical closeness. It is not a medical diagnosis but a way of describing an unmet need.

How can someone with no partner get more touch?

Options include hugs with friends and family, pets, massage, partner dancing and platonic cuddling services. If loneliness feels heavy, talking to a GP or counsellor can also help.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Western Journal of CommunicationFloyd (2014) Relational and health correlates of affection deprivation