Physical touch plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony not only among humans but also within ape communities, according to a recent study led by Durham University researchers. The investigation focused on bonobos and chimpanzees, revealing that these primates employ gestures resembling hugs and kisses to ease social tensions and promote peaceful interactions.

The research team observed five semi-wild groups of bonobos and chimpanzees during feeding sessions in confined spaces, which naturally create competition and potential conflict over shared resources. Prior to food release, the frequency of reassuring physical contact—such as gentle touches and embraces—was recorded and analyzed alongside subsequent behaviors during feeding.

Findings indicate that individuals engaging more frequently in physical reassurance were more likely to eat amicably in proximity to others, suggesting that such touch helps to preserve group cohesion. Lead author Dr. Jake Brooker explained that social touch represents an ancient communicative mechanism predating language, serving as one of the primary means through which social bonds are formed and maintained.

The study further proposes that these tactile interactions function as flexible tools adaptable to various social contexts, aiding in the regulation of relationships within groups. Scholar Professor Zanna Clay of Durham University’s Department of Psychology noted that this shared behavior likely has an evolutionary origin dating back at least six million years, highlighting the continuity between human and ape social strategies.

The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how nonverbal communication supports group dynamics among primates and underscores the deep-rooted biological basis for the human reliance on touch in everyday social interactions.