Touch is a powerful tool for expressing love and affection, but it can also be used to harm others. This has been shown by studies that have explored how the meanings of physical contact change depending on whether they are perceived as positive or negative experiences. When soldiers return from combat, their interactions with family members may bring up memories of being touched during traumatic situations, leading them to associate physical contact with fear rather than comfort.
Veterans who learn new ways of understanding touch may find themselves able to reconnect with loved ones without fear.
According to researchers studying Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), veterans often struggle with relating physically to those around them after experiencing extreme violence and stress. The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, insomnia, depression, and avoidant behavior. These symptoms affect how people interact with others on an emotional level. Many veterans experience intense feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness when discussing their time in war. They may withdraw from social situations and feel disconnected from those around them.
Physical contact can trigger a sense of danger for veterans who experienced trauma while serving. In particular, skin-to-skin contact such as hugging or holding hands may cause them to feel overwhelmed and panicked. This response is known as 'tactile defensiveness' and is related to sensory processing issues caused by brain damage. Veterans who experience tactile defensiveness report feeling discomfort, pain, or even nausea when someone touches them unexpectedly or makes prolonged eye contact. To cope with this reaction, some veterans wear gloves or refuse to be touched altogether.
To help veterans overcome their fear of touch, therapists teach them to recognize the signs that they are entering dangerous territory.
If a woman reaches out to touch her husband's arm but he pulls away, she should not take it personally. Instead, she might say something like: "I am sorry; I didn't mean to startle you." By acknowledging his reaction and communicating clearly about what happened, the couple can work together to find new ways of relating physically.
What shifts occur in the emotional meaning of touch when the veteran associates physical contact with both comfort and threat?
Touch is a multifaceted and complex sensory experience that can evoke different emotions in different contexts. When veterans associate physical contact with both comfort and threat, they may experience conflicting emotions such as confusion, ambivalence, and anxiety. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, and distrust towards others, which can negatively impact their relationships and overall well-being.