How holding hands can lessen pain for loved ones

HOLDING the hand of a loved one in troubled times is a natural reaction, but research shows it helps to lessen pain.

Scientists found that when a man held the hand of his female partner as she was being subjected to mild pain, their heart and respiratory rates synchronised and her discomfort was reduced.

Researchers at the University of Colothree rado Boulder tested 22 couples as part of the study into ‘interpersonal synchronisation’ where individuals physiologically mirror the people they are with.

The couples either sat together, not touching, sat together holding hands, or sat in separate rooms and repeated all scenarios as the woman was subjected to a mild heat pain on her forearm for two minutes.

Study leader Dr Pavel Goldstein said: ‘The more empathetic the partner, the stronger the analgesic effect and the higher the synchronisation between the two when they are touching.

‘It could be that touch is a tool for communicating empathy, resulting in an analgesic, or pain-killing, effect.’

Dr Goldstein said the idea of the study came to him after witnessing the birth of his daughter four years ago. He added: ‘My wife was in pain and all I could think was, “What can I do to help her?” I reached for her hand and it seemed to help, so I wanted to test it out in the lab.’