Neurobiology of Social Touch
Abstract
Social touch is a critical component of our daily lives, shaping our interactions with friends and loved ones. Reduced social touch, especially during early life, can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. A mechanistic understanding of the neural circuits for social touch is still underway, despite its centrality. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of social touch, a cellular and molecular emphasis must be placed on signaling and connectivity among neurons of the skin, spinal cord, and brain. Here, I review research on the molecules, cells, and circuits of the social touch network, highlighting insights from humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. I conclude by exploring some of the exciting avenues for future research.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Neuroscience of respiration and sleep
Tactile and Sensory Interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annual Review of Neuroscience
- Publisher
- Annual Reviews
- Volume
- 49
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 61–78
- Publication date
- 2 March 2026
- Language
- EN