To find out, researchers enlisted 135 college students, and invited some of them to hold their hands over their heart and stomach for 20 seconds – the time it takes for three breaths – while thinking positive thoughts about themselves.
A control group was asked to tap their thumb to each finger alternatively for the same amount of time.
The team found that the students who practised self-compassionate touch for 20 seconds a day, for at least 28 sessions, had a 9.91 per cent decrease in stress, compared to their levels at the start of the trial.
In contrast, those who practised the finger-tapping showed a 21.70 per cent increase in stress which researchers say may be down to college students getting more anxious as the term progresses.
Overall, college students who practised self-compassionate touch for 20 seconds a day showed a 45.66 per cent greater percentage reduction in stress than those who practised the finger-tapping active control for 20 seconds a day.
The size of the effect was similar to that seen for far lengthier practices, such as mindful meditation.
Although previous studies have shown that touch can be beneficial, the researchers are still unsure how it works. A recent paper published in the journal Nature suggested touch can lower cortisol levels in the body.
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