A recent study by Sanitas highlights the emotional significance of hugs, revealing that 95% of Spaniards believe they positively impact well-being. Interestingly, the survey found that people are more likely to hug their pets (28%) than their friends (23.3%), with only 6.4% frequently embracing their grandparents. This underscores the essential role of physical affection in human relationships, as 90% of respondents value hugs in their personal connections. However,the study also notes a disparity between the desire for hugs and the actual frequency of giving them,emphasizing the need for mutual interaction in sharing this comforting gesture.A recent study by Sanitas highlights the profound impact of physical affection, notably hugging, on both emotional and physical well-being. According to the research, hugs release oxytocin, known as the “happiness hormone,” which enhances mood, regulates heartbeats, and fosters a sense of calm and security. Soraya Bajat, head of Mental Health Services at Sanitas hospitals, notes that 73% of respondents associate hugs with feelings of affection, while 64% link them to love. Additionally, 90% of participants believe that hugging positively affects physical health, contributing to lower blood pressure and reduced stress hormone levels. The study reveals that couples are the moast frequent recipients of hugs, followed by children and pets, underscoring the importance of these simple gestures in daily life.In a recent survey, Spaniards reported an average of 15 hugs per week, with women leading the way at 17.7 hugs, while those aged 35 to 44 averaged an extraordinary 21. However, older respondents, particularly those between 65 and 75, only managed about 10.6 hugs weekly, highlighting a generational gap in affectionate gestures. The survey revealed that 84.6% of participants believe a lack of trust is the primary reason for not hugging more often. Interestingly, 80% expressed a desire for increased hugging in Spain, as 83% consider it one of the happiest moments of their day. This data underscores the cultural significance of hugs as a form of connection and emotional support in Spanish society.
Title: The Emotional Power of Hugs: A Discussion with Soraya Bajat from Sanitas
Editor: Welcome, Soraya Bajat, head of Mental Health Services at Sanitas. Your recent study on the importance of hugs has sparked considerable interest. Can you share what motivated this research?
Soraya Bajat: Thank you for having me. The motivation behind the study was to explore the emotional and physical meaning of physical affection, particularly hugging, in our daily lives. In our increasingly digital world, we wanted to understand how customary forms of connection, like hugs, still resonate with people.
Editor: The results were eye-opening.You found that 95% of Spaniards beleive hugs positively affect their well-being. What do you think accounts for this strong sentiment?
Soraya Bajat: Hugs are fundamentally tied to our emotional well-being. They release oxytocin, often referred to as the “happiness hormone,” which can enhance mood and promote feelings of calm and security. Our study revealed that a important majority—73%—associate hugs with affection, while 64% link them to love. This shows how deeply rooted hugs are in our emotional fabric.
Editor: Interestingly, the survey indicated that people are more likely to hug their pets (28%) than their friends (23.3%). What does this say about our relationships with pets versus humans?
Soraya Bajat: This is quite engaging and suggests that pets may provide a non-judgmental source of comfort and affection. Many people feel a unique bond with their pets, which could lead them to express affection more freely. However, it also highlights a potential gap in human connections, where people may hesitate to share that same level of physical affection with friends or family.
Editor: you also mentioned that 90% of respondents value hugs in their personal relationships but noted a disparity in desire versus actual practice. What factors contribute to this?
Soraya Bajat: The findings suggest that while many people value hugs, societal factors like trust can inhibit physical affection. We found that 84.6% of participants believed a lack of trust was a primary barrier to hugging more often. This emphasizes the need for safe and trusting environments to encourage physical affection, reinforcing relationships.
Editor: The generational gap in hugs is intriguing, with older adults averaging only 10.6 hugs weekly. Why do you think this gap exists?
Soraya Bajat: This generational gap could be influenced by changing societal norms and values around physical affection. Younger generations might potentially be more open to expressing their feelings physically, while older generations might have grown up in contexts where such expressions were less common. It’s essential to create dialog around the importance of continued physical affection across all ages.
Editor: What practical advice would you offer to individuals wanting to increase the frequency of hugging in their lives?
Soraya Bajat: Start by fostering more intimate and trusting relationships. Ensure that interactions are genuine and context-appropriate. Begin with small gestures, such as a kind pat or a side hug, and gradually build towards more meaningful hugs as comfort levels increase. Encouraging conversations about the importance of affection can also help normalize it in various relationships.
Editor: It’s evident that hugs are more than just gestures; they hold significant emotional and physical benefits. How do you see this research impacting your work at Sanitas?
Soraya Bajat: This research reinforces the importance of incorporating emotional wellness into our healthcare practices. We aim to promote not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Encouraging patients to embrace simple gestures like hugging may contribute to improved health outcomes, and we will continue advocating for this in our services.
Editor: Thank you, Soraya, for sharing these insights. It seems clear that embracing the power of hugs can lead to a more connected and healthier society.
Soraya Bajat: Thank you for having me. I hope this discussion encourages more people to recognize the importance of physical affection in their lives.