psychological effects of hugging
In a study on fears and self-esteem, research published in the journal Psychological Science revealed that hugs and touch significantly reduce worry of mortality. The studies found that hugging -- even if it was just an inanimate object like a teddy bear -- helps soothe individuals' existential fears.
Sympathy Hug. As one may expect, this occurs when one individual hugs another to express feelings of sympathy, empathy, mutual sadness, or even pity. The hug lasts between fifteen and nine hundred seconds depending on the manner in which the hug recipient reacts.