Abstract
Previous research has indicated that interpersonal touch is more likely for female than for male children, more likely for same-gender dyads, and more likely for black than for white children. However, the effects of race and social class upon touch have not been observed separately. In the present study, children were observed at play in black low-income, black middle-income, white low-income, and white middle-income preschools. Rates of touch were higher for low-income children in inside play areas and higher for same-gender pairs. In outside play areas, touch was higher for black same-gender pairs, but there was no race difference in touch for different-gender pairs. In general, rates of touch were higher than those previously reported for older American children and adults, but lower than those for both children and adults from some other cultures.
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Reference Notes
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Williams, S.J., Willis, F.N. Interpersonal Touch Among Preschool Children at Play. Psychol Rec 28, 501–508 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394565
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394565