Observing positive and negative social touch triggers topographically distinct physical and emotional reactions in the body

Abstract

Abstract Interpersonal touch is a fundamentally multidimensional and multisensory experience and as such is highly subjective. By whom, where and how we are touched determines how we react to and feel about it. Previous research using topographical body tasks has mainly examined where people feel comfortable being touched by others. Using the BodyMap Tool, we mapped distinct somatoperceptions associated with positive and negative social touch videos, comparing physical sensations and emotional responses. We quantified these patterns with a BodyMap Score (BMS) reflecting valence and spatial coverage. Positive videos elicited higher physical than emotional BMS, whereas negative videos showed the opposite pattern, with broader emotional than physical somatoperceptions. Individual differences further modulated these effects: touch-avoidant participants showed reduced BMS for positive touch, and participants reporting pain exhibited overall lower BMS, though this reduction was attenuated for positive stimuli. These findings highlight the complex and context-dependent bodily representation of social touch.