Editing Haptic communication (section)

===Positive affect===
These touches communicate positive emotions and occur mostly between persons who have close relationships. These touches can be further classified as support, [[Gratitude|appreciation]], [[Inclusion (value and practice)|inclusion]], [[sexual interest]] or intent, and [[affection]]. Research has shown that hugging can reduce levels of the stress hormone [[cortisol]].<ref>[https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-life-of-the-skin-hungry-can-you-go-crazy-from-a-lack-of-touch/ The Life of the Skin-Hungry: Can You Go Crazy from a Lack Of Touch?] ''VICE''. Published 8 November 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2018.</ref>

*''Support'': Serve to nurture, reassure, or promise protection. These touches generally occur in situations which either virtually require or make it clearly preferable that one person show concern for another who is experiencing distress.
*''Appreciation'': Express gratitude for something another person has done.
*''Inclusion'': Draw attention to the act of being together and suggest psychological closeness.
*''Sexual'': Express physical attraction or sexual interest.
*''Affection'': Express generalized positive regard beyond mere acknowledgment of the other.