Seeing Positive and Negative Tactile Interactions in Infancy: An EMG Study.

Recording electromyographic activity, we explored 11-month-olds’ sensitivity to emotional information conveyed by observed interpersonal touch. Infants’ zygomaticus major (smiling facial muscle) was activated when observing caresses. No muscle activation was found when observing scratches. Results suggest that infants are sensitive to observed positive tactile interactions, responding with emotionally-congruent facial configurations.