Primates use physical touch to reduce stress and prevent conflict

Researchers studying chimpanzees and bonobos have discovered that friendly physical contact, such as hugging, patting, and holding hands, serves as a social ‘glue’ that helps maintain group cohesion and mitigates stress.

Published in the journal ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society B’, the study involved observing five different groups of primates in sanctuaries located in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Researchers monitored the animals during feeding scenarios involving limited amounts of peanuts, which typically caused nervousness and excitement.

The findings indicated that groups engaging in more friendly physical contact prior to feeding were significantly more likely to eat together without conflict. Primatologist Zana Clay of Durham University noted that physical proximity is a powerful way to cope with stress, suggesting that humans might benefit from similar physical contact to feel calmer and more connected during intense social or competitive situations.