Does non-human tactile stimulation have a moderating effect on stress and anxiety?

The purpose of this study was to determine if the stress-alleviating effects of human to human tactile stimulation. Forty undergraduate university students were randomly assigned to one of four computer mouse conditions: covered-aversive (velcro) covered-neutral (denim), covered-pleasant (velvet) and uncovered. Participants were asked to complete a difficult computer task that was intended to invoke anxiety. Upon completion of the task participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State scores for the velcro group were expected to be lowest of the groups (indicating high anxiety) while State scores for the velvet group were expected to be the highest of any other group. One way ANOVA showed there was no significant difference between Trait scores, and only a small difference between state scores.