A new study indicates that physical warmth, such as a shower or bath, can relieve loneliness as a form of social coldness.
Physical warmth, counted as a form of self-therapy, can restore social warmth when somebody feels isolated, according to the study published in APA PsycNET.
Yale University scientists revealed that people who feel more socially excluded prefer warmer temperatures and the younger group even took longer shower or bath.
"It appears that the 'coldness' of loneliness or rejection can be treated somewhat successfully through the application of physical warmth," wrote the study authors.
Although the scientists failed to show a link between loneliness and bathing frequency, they did find that lonelier participants favored warmer water temperatures.
Although people do not consciously seek out physical warmth as a substitute for social warmth, scientists believe it can be a good replacement for temporarily reducing emotional distress.
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