Touch and human growth and development

If one defines growth and development of humans as an ongoing, lifelong change in behaviour, physiology, psychology and spirituality, then touch definitely plays an influential role, as everything we touch or are touched by will affect these developments.

Research at the TRI claims that babies in the womb are already touch-sensitive and touch is essential for learning and development to take place. "The first sensory input in life comes from the sense of touch while a baby is still in the womb, and touch continues to be the primary means of learning about the world throughout infancy, well into childhood. Touch is critical for children's growth, development, and health, as well as for adults' physical and mental well-being." (Field, T.)

In the 50s, Harry Harlow conducted research at the University of Wisconsin on infant monkeys and surrogate mothers. His findings showed that infant monkeys preferred cloth surrogate mothers without milk to wire surrogate mother with milk. (Connelly, J. E. 2002). The infant monkeys' reaction suggests a preference and perhaps a need for a tactile mother-like figure above and beyond the basic need for food at this stage in the monkey's life.

The world we have created today is stressful and leads to many imbalances within our bodies which result in disease. It has been estimated that between 80-90% of disease today is stress-related (Massagetherapy.com). One of the greatest benefits of touch is its stress-releasing properties. It can improve circulation, the immune system, joint mobilisation, release endorphins, relax tense muscles or just give you a sense of general well-being and security when administered in a professional manner. We therefore need touch to help us create a healthy space for ourselves in this world we have created.

When we get older, we often become more touch-deprived. There are also many people who are marginalized in society which could lead to touch deprivation. In some societies we restrict touch in certain contexts eg the classroom. Research has shown that touch can improve the general well-being of touch-deprived individuals.

Without touch, we are like monkeys with a wire mother.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo F. Buscaglia

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou