How do team-based activities affect touching behaviours in male-to-male dyads?

Touch is shown to be crucial for many species, as often it is the primary and most fundamental sense to develop (Gallace and Spence 2010; Barnett 2005; Schanberg 1987). Despite this, touch is often under-recognised within the literature, with the other sensory modalities favoured (Gallace and Spence 2010; Hertenstein et al. 2006; Major 1984; Heslin and Boss 1980). To date, sex, homophobia, culture and setting have been recognised as extremely influential factors on touching behaviours (Suvilehto et al. 2023; Derlega 2001; Major 1984; Heslin and Boss 1980). To greater understand these factors, a two-methodology approach was favoured, to investigate how the performance and perceptions of touching behaviours alter between male team-based activities. The first methodology was an observational study comprised of 32 participants from two different team-based activities, dodgeball and theatre. From this, touching behaviours were observed, evaluating changes based on status, stress, setting, state and homophobia. The second methodology was an online questionnaire, where 88 participants outlined their perceptions on individuals within a touching-dyad. The same independent variables were used, allowing comparative analysis across both studies. The results from the current studies were largely non-significant. However, in Study 1 the frequency of touching behaviours significantly increased if the team-based activity was in the sports setting. This creates an interesting foundation for future research, as it suggests that the sports environment may be unique compared to other team-based activities.