By Fatma Younis
A large-scale study surveying over 15,000 UK adults has found that hugs offering comfort, support, and understanding from close companions are the most memorable. Researchers from the University of Bristol analyzed data from 15,049 healthy participants, 75 percent of whom were women, recruited through public broadcasting and media promotions.
Positive Emotional Impact Dominates
Nearly 70 percent of participants remembered hugs primarily for their positive emotional impact. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, indicates that hugs are predominantly recalled because they convey comfort, support, and understanding.
Individual Differences Shape Recall
Participants with higher scores on body-perception scales, which measure the connection between body awareness and touch, were more likely to remember a hug. Higher cognitive and empathy measures also correlated with a greater likelihood of recalling a hug. Conversely, difficulty knowing how to hug and a general dislike of hugging were negatively associated with hug memories.
Attachment Styles Influence Memory
Individuals who display higher independence in relationships were less likely to remember a hug compared to those who experience distress when facing separation. People who frequently greet family and friends with hugs reported the most positive emotional value from those embraces.
Gender Differences in Memorable Hugs
Men were more likely than women to report physically arousing hugs as the most memorable, according to the researchers.
Limitations Noted
The authors caution that the observational study cannot establish causal relationships between hugging experiences, personal traits, and memory formation. They also note that results may not generalize to societies with different attitudes toward physical contact.
