Beyond the Surface of Hugs

Written by Savanna Yelverton

What is a hug?

​Hugging is known as a physical expression of affection. Hugs are used to “express reunion after separation”, as a greeting, or as a parting gesture to say goodbye (Pillay, 2010). Over time, hugging has taken many forms, including ones that can be considered uncomfortable. Each type of hug is complex and is used in different situations (Pillay, 2010). 

Types of Hugs

The Sideways Hug: This hug is where the pair hug from the side of their body, rather than by facing each other. This type of hug is most often used by men. “As they approach each other, the thought of their bodies colliding becomes a higher priority than the politeness of the hug" (Pillay, 2010). This kind of hug initially feels uncomfortable but provides a sense of relief to both individuals once the hug is over (Pillay, 2010). 

​The Full-On Hug: This hug is often known as the typical, front facing hug. This type of hug “has many complex scenarios” (Pillay, 2010). It is usually initiated with little to no self-conscious thought. However, with the closeness of this hug, it can easily become uncomfortable if the breasts and crotch become a part of it. In this case, self-consciousness is brought to the surface. The full-on hug “is also best executed with pleasurable sounds (e.g., ahhh!)” (Pillay, 2010). 

​The Back Pat: This hug is where the pair or one of its members pat the other person on the back once the hug has been initiated. This type of hug conveys confusion when two people begin a hug but do not know what to do once the hug has been initiated. For someone who enjoys hugging another person, receiving the back pat may be disappointing. The back pat often seems “dismissive” and may suggest that the individual is uncomfortable with the initiation of affection (Pillay, 2010). 

​The “Pleased to Meet You Belly Button” (PYMBB) Hug: This type of hug is a rare one, but it occurs in instances of an extreme height difference. If two people of varying heights engage in a hug, they may encounter strange body part interactions. For a person who is significantly shorter than the person being hugged, a face and belly button encounter may occur (Pillay, 2010). This hug is characterized by a great amount of discomfort and may occur quickly, as a result.

The Shoulder Hug: Similar to the sideways hug, this type of hug is used between two individuals who are showing appraisal of another’s actions but are not committed to a full expression of affection. This will result in a “shoulder pat with one hand” and a smile (Pillay, 2010). Eye contact is made during this hug, but this is to assure the other that no further affection will be given (Pillay, 2010).

The Elbow Hug: This type of hug is initiated with a smile, and each person’s hands are placed on the elbows of the other. It usually takes place when two people have “a mutual understanding that they do not want to wrinkle each other’s clothes” (Pillay, 2010). Other gestures that commonly accompany this hug include the “cheek squeeze” or a “you look great!” (Pillay, 2010).

The Benefits of Hugging 

​While certain hugs may feel uncomfortable or awkward, they may not always be unsuccessful. Whether it be from a friend, a significant other, or a loved one, a hug can benefit us in ways that we may not even realize. 

​First, hugs make us feel good. When we initiate this type of affection with another person it releases the chemical oxytocin. This chemical is known as the “cuddle hormone” and is responsible for social bonding (Holmes, 2014). It also “promotes feelings of devotion, trust and bonding,” which allows us to connect with other people (Holmes, 2014). 

​Another benefit of hugging is its ability to lead to improvements in our physical health. Humans have “pressure receptors” on their skin, and the sensation of being touched activates them. These receptors then “send signals to the vagus nerve,” which can lead to lower blood pressure (Holmes, 2014). Additionally, as shown in an experiment that was performed at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, heart health is also improved by hugging (Holmes, 2014). “Participants who didn’t have any contact with their partners developed a quickened heart rate of ten beats per minute, compared to the five beats per minute among those who got to hug their partners during the experiment” (Holmes, 2014). 

Finally, hugs are important for individuals of all ages. Emory University studied rats and concluded that touch, more specifically hugging, is a stress reliever in babies and can allow children to cope better with stress as adults. However, babies are not the only ones who benefit from hugs. According to Ohio State University, “hugging and physical touch become increasingly important with age” (Holmes, 2014). Psychologist Janice Kiecolt-Glaser told USA Today that “loneliness can also increase stress and have adverse health effects” (Holmes, 2014). By hugging, we automatically feel closer to another person, and this can decrease feelings of loneliness and stress (Holmes, 2014). 

References

Holmes, L. (2014). 7 Reasons Why We Should Be Giving More Hugs. The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 8, 2016.

Pillay, S. (2010). The Art of Hugging: When A Hug Is Not All That It's Cracked Up To Be. Psychology Today. Retrieved April 8, 2016.