Autistic Traits Related to the Importance of Interpersonal Touch and Appreciation of Observed Touch during COVID-19 Social Distancing

Abstract

Studies have confirmed the significance of touch for psychological wellbeing. Social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced people’s ability to engage in interpersonal touch and caused increased an appreciation for observed touch, as well as a longing for touch within the neurotypical population. Yet, while the impact of social distancing and the importance of touch are evident in neurotypical individuals, it remains unclear how these factors manifest in autistic individuals. Previous research has related high levels of autistic traits to reduced levels of perceived pleasantness of touch and a reduced interest in interpersonal touch. Our study aimed to examine the differences in the appreciation of observed touch and longing for touch during social distancing between individuals with low and high levels of autistic traits. We conducted an online survey on autistic traits, the appreciation of observed CT-optimal touch and longing for touch. Consistent with our predictions, our results confirmed that individuals with high levels of autistic traits evaluated videos depicting CT-optimal touch less favorably compared to those with lower scores on autistic traits. Additionally, only the group with low levels of autistic traits exhibited a longing for touch during social distancing, whereas the group with high levels of autistic traits did not. The results provide insights in the appreciation of touch in relation to autistic traits during the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.