Association of hugs with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation: findings based on data from the general adult population in Germany

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between the frequency of hugs and probable depression, probable anxiety, and suicidal ideation in the German adult population. Subject and methods: Cross-sectional data were used from the German general adult population aged 18 to 74 years (representative in terms of sex, age, and federal state) with n = 3270 that were obtained in an online survey in January 2025. The frequency of daily hugs served as the independent variable. Probable depression and anxiety were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the final item of the PHQ-9. Logistic regression was used to examine associations. Robustness checks were also conducted. Results: Hugging others (on average one and two to three; compared to individuals not hugging others) on a daily basis is associated with lower odds of probable depression (e.g., hugging one individual: OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.83), probable anxiety (e.g., hugging one individual: OR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.95), and suicidal ideation (e.g., hugging one individual: OR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.85). Hugging on average two to three individuals daily was also associated with significantly lower odds for all outcomes, whereas hugging four or more individuals was only significantly associated with lower odds of probable depression. Conclusion: Hugging one to three individuals each day may assist in preventing poor mental health. However, future longitudinal evidence is needed to confirm this.