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Self-other distinction modulates the social softness illusion
Maria Pyasik1,2, Elisabetta Fortunato1, Olga Dal Monte3,4
1SAMBA (SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Psychological Research
|June 26, 2021
Summary
The social softness illusion makes others' skin feel softer than our own, enhancing social bonding. This effect strengthens when self-other body distinction is clearer, like in an allocentric perspective.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Haptics
Background:
- The social softness illusion, where others' skin feels softer than one's own, is linked to social-emotional sharing via affective touch.
- Understanding the factors modulating this illusion is crucial for its role in social bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the ability to distinguish another's body from one's own body influences the social softness illusion.
- To examine the impact of spatial perspective and visual feedback on this illusion.
Main Methods:
- Female participants acted as touch givers or receivers.
- Touch location (palm/forearm), spatial perspective (egocentric/allocentric), and visual feedback were manipulated.
- Perceived skin softness was compared between self and other.
Main Results:
- The social softness illusion was confirmed, with others' skin perceived as softer than one's own.
- The illusion persisted across different touch locations (palm, forearm).
- The illusion was significantly stronger in the allocentric perspective compared to the egocentric perspective.
Conclusions:
- The capacity to differentiate one's body from another's modulates the social softness illusion.
- Clearer self-other body distinction enhances the illusion, supporting its role in fostering social relationships.
- Findings highlight the interplay between body representation and social touch perception.
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