Men More Likely Than Women to Find Hugs Arousing, Study Suggests

A recent study has found that men are more likely than women to perceive hugs as arousing, while women predominantly associate embraces with comfort and care. The research, conducted by a team at the University of Bristol and published in the journal Plos One, surveyed over 15,000 adults about their experiences with hugging.

According to the findings, 3.9% of men recalled hugs as arousing, compared to only 0.8% of women. Dr. Anna Lena Dueren, the study's lead author, stated that while men were more likely to describe hugs as exciting, this was their least prevalent reason for remembering them. The most common reasons cited across all participants were comfort, followed by support, friendliness, and happiness.

"Arousal was not a common experience associated with hugging overall, so this finding comes from a comparatively small group of participants," Dr. Dueren explained. "We hope our findings will help explain why hugs are perceived differently from person to person."

The study suggests that these differing perceptions may stem from broader patterns in how genders process interpersonal interactions. Women tend to view hugs as a source of emotional support, whereas men are more inclined to interpret such interactions through a romantic or sexual lens.

Overall, 70% of participants remembered hugs for their positive emotional impact. Individuals who felt uncomfortable with hugging or were less aware of bodily sensations were less likely to recall hugs positively. Conversely, those who frequently hugged friends and family recalled these moments more fondly. The researchers noted that a greater awareness of bodily sensations and touch correlated with a higher likelihood of remembering hugs and attaching positive emotional value to them.

Future research aims to explore how personality traits, past experiences, and the specific context of a hug influence its perception, potentially offering deeper insights into when and for whom hugging provides comfort and social support. A separate study from last year indicated that hug duration could also reveal personality differences, with romantic partners hugging for an average of 7.02 seconds, compared to 2.88 seconds for platonic friends. Another 2018 study found that hugs and holding hands can have a calming effect on nerves, improving mood after conflicts.