article · Frontiers in Public Health

Beyond words: the association of hugging with loneliness, social isolation, and social withdrawal. Evidence from the general adult population in Germany based on a cross-sectional survey

André Hajek
Andrew Stickley
Martina Luchetti
Karl Peltzer
Yannick Stéphan
Antonio Terracciano
Razak M. Gyasi
Dong Keon Yon
Supa Pengpid
Angelina R. Sutin
H.‐H. König

2026Open accessSefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Abstract

Our findings suggested an association between hugging frequency and measures of social disconnectedness, particularly among women. Efforts to increase the frequency of hugs, ideally to at least 2-3 individuals on average per day, may be beneficial for social outcomes, pending longitudinal and experimental evidence.

Research topics

Humor Studies and Applications
Sleep and related disorders
Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

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DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1716316

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