Embracing the void: exploring the relationship between chronic loneliness and social touch

Loneliness is a widespread experience, and its chronic form poses a significant risk for physical and mental health. Touch is a key modality of social interaction and has considerable health benefits across the lifespan. Touch-based interventions may serve as an effective method to alleviate loneliness. However, previous studies have yielded heterogenous results, with outcomes ranging from beneficial to detrimental effects in individuals experiencing loneliness. While methodological differences likely contribute to this inconsistency, a crucial factor, the chronicity of loneliness, has been largely overlooked. This review proposes a model in which the desire for social contact is enhanced during acute stages of loneliness. In contrast, chronic loneliness is associated with increased distrust and perceived social threat, potentially leading to reduced receptivity to touch. We argue that future research should account for the chronicity of loneliness when evaluating the efficacy of touch-based interventions, with experimental studies needed to empirically test this hypothesis. • Social touch effectively improves physical and mental health outcomes. • Evidence that touch alleviates loneliness remains sparse and inconclusive. • Chronicity of loneliness may explain variability in the existing literature. • We propose that touch is beneficial in acute loneliness as social contact is sought. • In chronic stages, negative cognitive biases may lead to unpleasant touch experiences.