Body Language Touch and Haptics 3

Question 1

What is 'touch deprivation,' sometimes called 'skin hunger,' associated with?

Accepted Answer

Increased stress, loneliness, and health problems

Answer

Touch deprivation is linked to elevated cortisol levels, feelings of loneliness, depression, and weakened immune function.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best example of 'social touch' as defined in touch research?

Accepted Answer

Friends hugging when they meet

Answer

Social touch occurs within personal relationships for purposes of bonding, greeting, and expressing emotion, such as friends hugging.

Question 3

When someone mirrors another person's touch behaviors in a conversation, it most commonly signals:

Accepted Answer

Rapport, agreement, and connection

Answer

Mirroring touch behaviors — matching the other person's level of physical contact — signals rapport, trust, and psychological alignment.

Question 4

The concept of 'touch reciprocity' in social interactions refers to:

Accepted Answer

Matching the type and level of touch initiated by others

Answer

Touch reciprocity is the social norm of matching the type and level of touch that another person initiates, creating balanced physical communication.

Question 5

In Desmond Morris's body language research, seemingly 'accidental' touching that is actually intentional is most commonly used to:

Accepted Answer

Test how receptive someone is to greater intimacy

Answer

Morris described accidental-seeming intentional touches as probes to gauge another person's receptiveness to greater physical intimacy without the risk of outright rejection.

Body Language Practice Test

Body Language Practice Test

Body Language Touch and Haptics 3