But does that extend to touching yourself? That’s what Joe – a 30-something year old who, like all the men I spoke to, wanted to talk anonymously so they could be honest about their love of grabbing their crotches – says. Most of us know that oxytocin is produced when someone who we love touches us, either in a sexual or non-sexual way.
“It has many beneficial effects on our health and well-being,” he explains, “for instance, it reduces anxiety.” Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that plays a role in social connections and regulating our mood. Putting your hand on your penis is cocky, shows confidence in one's masculinity.”Īccording to scientific evidence, says Dr Andras Kolto, a senior postdoctoral researcher at NUI Galway, low-intensity physical touch releases oxytocin in the brain. The people who come to see me, they are full of anxiety. “The penis is a strong symbol of masculinity, and all men want that department to be working well. And that the guys that do feel they belong to a tribe of people who display this behaviour says Jo Ryder, an integrative psychotherapist from Dublin. “I would say that belonging is an important part of wellbeing.
