The influence of touch in development and its role in history

I recently heard a theory that in a couple of generations, a lot of people are going to be a lot more agressive and have serious psychological problems. The root of the problem lies, according to this theory, in the lack of touch, especially during childhood. Children nowadays spend more and more time in front of the TV or the computer, and less and less playing with their peers and doing family activities. Those are the 2 areas in a child's life, where he/she is most likely to have physical contact with other human beings. Apparently, physical contact through touch (ie hugging, kissing, holding hands, even games which involve touching each other), of course not in a sexual way, is vital to a child's development. A lack of it may lead to agressive and antisocial behavior later in life. An extreme example of children who lack touch are the children in the orphanages of communist Romania, who exhibited stunted growth, both physical and emotional, as well as repetitive obsesive-compulsive behavior such as rocking back and forth.

The other day, I was thinking about the impact that cultural values prohibiting or allowing touch for children, may have on the overall development of a society. For example, were the early Americans more agressive because of Puritan values limiting the physical contact for children? Another interesting point where this could have played a role in history is in the development of royal heirs. In many societies, the presumptive heirs were somewhat isolated from other children and often from their parents. Do you think that certain key decisions in world history were taken indirectly because of attitudes developed by sovereigns who lacked touch in their developmental stage?

Let me know your opinions on this subject.

Guys, please do not get me wrong.
I have notice this in the past, specially among americans and europeans. We as Latin Americans displays more the affection in public and kissing and caressing.

I have 3 nephews already and they really like to be huged.

It may be one of those cultural differences.
Regards

Decebal wrote: "Another interesting point where this could have played a role in history is in the development of royal heirs. In many societies, the presumptive heirs were somewhat isolated from other children and often from their parents".

I think a perfect modern example is Prince Charles of England...who as a young boy was taught by private tutors and had not much interaction with other children. He ultimately became somewhat of a "royal rebel" (e.g. was divorced, married a divorced woman, etc.), which is against English royal "protocol". He himself must have realized how detrimental it was for him when he made sure that his children (William and Harry) attended school with other children and never had them privately tutored.


Jalisco wrote: "We as Latin Americans displays more the affection in public and kissing and caressing."

Coming from a half-Spanish background, I totally agree that the majority of latin americans display much more affection within the family unit than europeans and anglos.


Great topic Decebal...I'm curious as to other opinions regarding this issue.

Morty