Touch: Cross-Cultural, Communication and Health

Update - 12/23/08: This show has aired. You can download the MP3 from our archive. Let us know what you think!
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Patrick Peczerski


Today we're airing a program on touch. There's a whole field of science that studies touch called "haptic communication" We started from the premise that touch is healthy (see these studies) and that in general Americans are averse to touch. During today's show Jean will explore with her guests how much people touch in different cultures and how health and communication can be improved through touch and massage.

Below is a funny parody on the man hug. Joe Hardtke made an edited version for the show, and because it's so hilarious we decided to post the full version.



I'm curious to know what your experiences with touch have been. Have you ever committed a touch taboo? How do you respond to touch? Are you very protective of your personal space?