This is how long a hug should last, according to science (2024)

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Plus, they discovered the most popular style of squeeze

By Lisa Joyner
This is how long a hug should last, according to science (1)

Looking to give your loved one the perfect hug? Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds.

According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second). Rather than the style of embrace, the perfect hug is all about length.

In the study, a group of blindfolded participants hugged for one second, five or 10 seconds, and reported how pleasant it was. The pandemic deprived people of hugging at a time they needed it most, so it comes as no surprise that longer hugs were rated the best, while the one second hugs resulted in lower immediate pleasure.

When it came to squeeze style, the team found a criss-cross hug is the most comfortable, with neck-waist being described as more formal. While researchers suggested that "extremely brief hugs" should be avoided, it is unclear just how long is too long.

This is how long a hug should last, according to science (3)

"Our findings suggest that longer hugs are more pleasant than very short hugs and criss-cross hugs are more common than neck-waist hugs," researchers said in their paper. "We anticipate that the studies presented here will provide a foundation for future research on pleasant touch, especially for research on hugs, which are highly prevalent but still widely understudied.

"Our findings on hug pleasure align with research indicating that robots are evaluated less positively after a 'too short' [of a] hug, indicating that very short hugs are less pleasant than longer hugs."

Time to give your loved one the perfect hug...

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Waterproof gloves: 22 to keep your hands warm and dry in 2024

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SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Knitted Glove

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Jack Wolfskin Women's Stormlock Highloft Gloves

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Peter Storm Men's Waterproof Thinsulate Gloves

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The North Face Mens Apex Plus Etip Glove

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Unigear Winter Warm Double Waterproof Gloves

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Extremities Men’s Furnace Pro Waterproof Gloves

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This is how long a hug should last, according to science (2024)

FAQs

How long should a proper hug last? ›

Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds. According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second).

What does science say about hugs? ›

The hug releases oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, all chemicals that help to lower anxiety, stress and blood pressure. They also improve sleep, which is our number one recovery tool.

What is the science behind the 30 second hug? ›

Yes, 30 seconds can make a world of difference! When you hug someone you trust, your body releases oxytocin, often referred to as the "cuddle hormone." This hormone plays a key role in reducing stress, lowering cortisol levels, and promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.

What is the science behind the 20 second hug? ›

A 20-second hug allows your body to release a significant amount of oxytocin, helping you de-stress after a long day and promoting a positive mindset. 2. Enhanced Emotional Bond: Physical touch, like hugging, is a powerful way to strengthen emotional connections with loved ones.

What is too long of a hug? ›

Researchers wondered if, beyond 10 seconds, huggers might reach “a plateau in pleasantness.” But those good feelings waned as time went on, with most arousal felt immediately after the hug.

What is the hug rule? ›

Depending on who you ask, the 'Disney hug rule' is something unofficial that has simply grown to become standard operating procedure or is actually part of the training. Either way, the idea is that a Disney character will never let go of the hug first. Especially if a child is involved.

Do guys feel breasts while hugging? ›

It depends on the type of hug, but often a guy can feel her breast against him when hugging. When a guy hugs a girl he feels the softness of her body, and if there is breast contact, he feels that softness to. That doesn't mean he gets turned on, only that he can feel the contact.

What does psychology say about hug? ›

Research shows that a proper deep hug may give an individual the following benefits: It builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication. Because hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, it helps in healing some negative feelings such as loneliness, isolation, and anger.

Do tight hugs mean anything? ›

Tight hugs can mean someone wants to show you affection, they see you in a familial light, they're looking for your support, or they want to take your relationship to the next level. When you're trying to decipher a tight hug, take the context of the situation into account.

What is the Disney hug rule? ›

Disney Hug Rule: The character isn't to pull away until the child pulls away. You never know how much they really need that hug and it's just something small that can have a big impact. Even Disney cast members understand how important and sacred this process is to those who visit these places of magic.

What is the 10 second hug rule? ›

It's true. Hugging for just 10 seconds can boost feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone,” it fights stress chemicals and helps lower blood pressure.

Why do we need 8 hugs? ›

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” – Virginia Satir, American Author and Psychotherapist. With social distancing restrictions dramatically reducing human contact for more than a year, it seems that we're all long overdue for a hug.

What is the 4 8 12 hug rule? ›

Hanning described findings that four hugs per day was an antidote for depression, eight hugs per day would achieve mental stability and twelve hugs per day would achieve real psychological growth. If this is the case, touch has a greater significance than most of us would realise.

How long should hugs last? ›

They tested a one second hug, a five second hug, and a ten second hug. "The very short hugs, the one second hugs, they were perceived as less pleasant," said psychologist Anna Lena Duren with Goldsmiths, University of London. The 10 second snuggle was rated most pleasurable.

What does a 7 second hug mean? ›

And according to one study, it takes merely 7 seconds of a hug in order for your brain to signal the release of oxytocin — a hormone that is associated with, amongst other things, increased levels of trust, calmness and creativity.

What is considered a good hug? ›

However there is one thing that really helps and that is a good hug. It is said that for a hug to be effective it needs to last at least 6 seconds and be a proper hug. Not the type where you hold back . You know the type you give to people you feel you should hug but aren't super close too.

How long should a hug last with your crush? ›

Keep your hugs short and sweet.

When you're hugging your crush, the last thing you want is to make them feel smothered. Instead, limit yourself to a short, 3-second hug—that's how long most people hug for. As you and your crush get more comfortable with each other, you can always work up to longer hugs!

How do you know if a hug is more than a friendly? ›

If it's just a short, light squeeze when you hug, then it's probably just a friendly gesture. If the person hugs you tightly, puts their arms around your waist, or holds on for a long time, then it's a good sign they're attracted to you.

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