Neural responses to touch

• Grant number: 23/04029-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Physiological Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Alexandra Caldas Osório
• Grantee: Renata Pereira de Felipe
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06693-4 - The importance of social touch for infant social-emotional development: integrating neuroimaging, psychophysiological, endocrine, and behavioral evidence, AP.JP2

Abstract

The skin is often described as a social organ, with several studies - in humans and animals - demonstrating the impact of early tactile experiences on physical and psychological well-being. Despite this important work, the study of this sensory modality remains surprisingly neglected, when compared to vision or hearing. There is relatively little knowledge on the neural correlates of social touch in humans, especially in early infancy, when this type of care is most relevant for children's optimal development. This is the main aim of this work plan. (AU)