In winter, you want to be in warm hugs more often! Scientists from Carnegie Mellon University argue that if such a desire is fulfilled, it is much easier for the body to cope with the many dangers that lie in wait for it in the cold season.
Researchers have found that people who hug more often are less likely to suffer from stress-related infectious diseases. In the event that the disease could not be avoided, it proceeds much milder.
It has already been found out that people who are prone to conflicts have a weak immune system that is not able to fight viruses effectively. Social support also plays an important role in preventing the development of stress-related depression. After such conclusions, the experts considered it necessary to check whether their guesses that hugs can, among other things, strengthen the immune system are confirmed.
Specialists started an experiment, for which 404 volunteers were invited. First, participants were asked to complete questionnaires. The researchers then called the volunteers daily for two weeks to regularly record the frequency of conflicts and the number of hugs. At the next stage of the experiment, all of its participants were intentionally infected with a viral infection, and then placed in quarantine, where they were under the close attention of researchers.
It turned out that with the help of social support it is possible to reduce the risk of infection, but conflict situations can increase it. A third of the protective effect, according to experts, provide hugs. Those participants who were cared for by loved ones and comforted with frequent hugs during illness recovered faster, had less symptoms, and conflicts played absolutely no role.
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