[binding by (human) binding]
Effects of bodily stimuli on the brain (EEG) - warmth, repeated stomach pressure and softness.
Abstract of research: In an investigation three facets of body contact, more specifically, of an embrace (based on findings by Uvnäs-Moberg) where modelled in a rather technical way. There are different reasons for avoiding an interpersonal design. The facets modelled were: pressure to stomach (pressing a tissue around one's own body), warmth (warm water bottle) and softness (soft blanket an chair). So, there where two groups, one group had all the three stimuli in combination, the other had none of them. Again, there are reasons for this, and limitations to account for. The movement of the arms was controlled for. Each participant was recorded on EEG in a solo session. A logistic regression analysis was performed leading to significant results in trials with low load. Here, a shift to the right hemisphere of alpha and theta band was found in the group with body stimuli. This is despite the fact of small sample (N=42) and very short experiment of about 10 minutes. As designated by Shore the right hemisphere is especially concerned with and connected to limbic and bonding functions in children and adults. Devinsky points to the right brain as most important for psychic processes concerning at the same time body feel, conscioussness, and self. [The full paper can be found on the left but only in german (deutsch pdf). It is to be translated soon.]		home