First, we will investigate the behavioural markers of social touch deprivation, in studying psychological traits, sensory perception and vicarious perception of tactile interactions. Second, we will investigate the physiological and neural markers and mechanisms underlying a lack of social touch. And finally, we will evaluate to what extent vicarious stimulation (i.e. the observation of tactile interactions) can compensate for a lack of social touch. Altogether, this project aims to find behavioural and neural markers of social touch deprivation (modulation of the “mirror touch network”) and compensation effectiveness (e.g. reduced anxiety levels).

Our project proposes an innovative approach combining for the first time behavioural, physiological and neural approaches to investigate the impact but also compensation of social touch deprivation. This project is the cornerstone of a fundamental research framework opening to a better understanding of social touch perception and its underlying mechanisms. This research appears timely as finding new ways to measure the impact of the lack of touch, and compensate for it, is of particular societal and clinical importance. This research will have a resonant impact for people who are suffering from social isolation and lacking tactile interactions.