Our research focuses mainly on the mental processes that shape and are shaped in social interactions. A special interest of the lab is the tactile dimension of social exchanges and the importance of touch for both current positive affect and long-term health. We use a range of research methods that assess online brain activity such as electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging. Additionally, we rely on other psychophysiological (e.g., heart rate) as well as behavioral tools (e.g., eye tracking, reaction times) to shed light on the functioning of the human brain.

What feels good? Research has uncovered a special tactile receptor called the C-tactile afferent. This receptor exists in the hairy skin of both humans and non-human animals. Its response properties appear to be tuned specifically to touch from conspecifics - such as its typical velocity and temperature. We are interested in extending this literature by better describing the kind of touch that humans exchange and exploring how its properties map onto perceived touch pleasantness.

Are touch giving and receiving equally pleasant and health relevant? There has been much work documenting the benefits of being gently stroked by a machine or other person. Effects include a reduction in negative affect and pain. However, much of this research has addressed short-term effects in laboratory experiments with relatively artificial touch stimuli. We seek to provide more ecologically relevant insights by studying natural touch interactions using survey of experience sampling tools and by bringing these interactions into the lab. For example, we are looking at the effects of touch with a pet and skin-to-skin contact between romantic partners. In doing so we consider the consequences for both the provision and the reception of touch.