Past research suggests that touch and pressure can have antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. The present investigation hypothesized that brief interventions of hugging, wearing a weighted pressure vest, and being in the presence of a friend during a stressful situation would reduce anxiety, stress, and depression while increasing social support. Undergraduate participants (N = 155) completed the Trier Social Stress Test while either receiving hugs from a friend (Hug), having a friend nearby (Friend), wearing a weighted pressure vest (Vest), or having nothing added (Control). None of the measures differed significantly between conditions. However, participants in the Hug condition had marginally higher state social support than Control participants. These findings suggest that brief interventions with hugs, weighted pressure vests, or the presence of a friend are not effective at reducing anxiety, stress, or depression, while hugs may be effective at increasing social support.
