The neurobiology of ticklishness
Ticklishness is an idiosyncratic form of touch observed in multiple animal species, including humans. Although commonly regarded as trivial, it involves complex neurobiological mechanisms and diverse behavioral phenomena observed across species. Two distinct forms exist: knismesis, a mild tingling s...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Neuroscience Research |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168010225000847 |
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| author | Shimpei Ishiyama |
| author_facet | Shimpei Ishiyama |
| author_sort | Shimpei Ishiyama |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Ticklishness is an idiosyncratic form of touch observed in multiple animal species, including humans. Although commonly regarded as trivial, it involves complex neurobiological mechanisms and diverse behavioral phenomena observed across species. Two distinct forms exist: knismesis, a mild tingling sensation elicited by gentle touch, and gargalesis, an intense sensation associated with involuntary laughter. Advocating the importance of clearly distinguishing these two types of ticklishness, this review synthesizes current knowledge on their neuronal underpinnings. Topics include somatosensory processing, self-tickling and sensory attenuation, emotional modulation, sociosexual dimensions, and evolutionary perspectives, among others. Special attention is given to the ambivalent nature of gargalesis, challenging conventional single-dimensional models of emotional valence. Ultimately, studying ticklishness provides a valuable opportunity to investigate playful emotional experiences from a naturalistic perspective, addressing fundamental yet underrepresented questions in contemporary neuroscience. Far from trivial, ticklishness thus provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying complex, context-dependent emotional and social experiences. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2d5f833a11d64d21b9a37b0190bd4507 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 0168-0102 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Neuroscience Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-2d5f833a11d64d21b9a37b0190bd45072025-08-20T02:36:35ZengElsevierNeuroscience Research0168-01022025-08-0121710490710.1016/j.neures.2025.05.002The neurobiology of ticklishnessShimpei Ishiyama0Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry Research Group for Neurobiology of Positive Emotions, J5, Mannheim 68159, GermanyTicklishness is an idiosyncratic form of touch observed in multiple animal species, including humans. Although commonly regarded as trivial, it involves complex neurobiological mechanisms and diverse behavioral phenomena observed across species. Two distinct forms exist: knismesis, a mild tingling sensation elicited by gentle touch, and gargalesis, an intense sensation associated with involuntary laughter. Advocating the importance of clearly distinguishing these two types of ticklishness, this review synthesizes current knowledge on their neuronal underpinnings. Topics include somatosensory processing, self-tickling and sensory attenuation, emotional modulation, sociosexual dimensions, and evolutionary perspectives, among others. Special attention is given to the ambivalent nature of gargalesis, challenging conventional single-dimensional models of emotional valence. Ultimately, studying ticklishness provides a valuable opportunity to investigate playful emotional experiences from a naturalistic perspective, addressing fundamental yet underrepresented questions in contemporary neuroscience. Far from trivial, ticklishness thus provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying complex, context-dependent emotional and social experiences.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168010225000847Affective touchSocial touchAmbivalenceMixed feelingsUltrasonic vocalizationsPlay behavior |
| spellingShingle | Shimpei Ishiyama The neurobiology of ticklishness Neuroscience Research Affective touch Social touch Ambivalence Mixed feelings Ultrasonic vocalizations Play behavior |
| title | The neurobiology of ticklishness |
| title_full | The neurobiology of ticklishness |
| title_fullStr | The neurobiology of ticklishness |
| title_full_unstemmed | The neurobiology of ticklishness |
| title_short | The neurobiology of ticklishness |
| title_sort | neurobiology of ticklishness |
| topic | Affective touch Social touch Ambivalence Mixed feelings Ultrasonic vocalizations Play behavior |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168010225000847 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT shimpeiishiyama theneurobiologyofticklishness AT shimpeiishiyama neurobiologyofticklishness |