Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Well-Being

This is an exploration of people’s sense of touch. Social neuroscientist Michael Banissy combines scientific insights from the world’s largest survey on touch, with 40,000 participants from 112 countries.

Banissy uncovers the research behind touch’s role in our well-being. Inside you’ll learn why hugs make people happier, high-fives win more games, and handshakes increase honesty. Banissy offers a groundbreaking perspective on touch and how to enhance it for a happier, healthier life, exploring topics like touch personality, relationships, self-esteem, physical and mental health, cultural touch distinctions, and solutions to the “touch hunger” epidemic. The book offers a fascinating window into touch and how to harness its power.