Author Correction: Propensity to trust shapes perceptions of comforting touch between trustworthy human and robot partners
Irene Valori, Yichen Fan, Merel M. Jung, Merle Theresa Fairhurst · Scientific Reports · 2024
“How does it feel? Significant effects predicted by Valence and Arousal models; n participants = 142; n observations = 1115. Panel ( A ) visualises participants’ clicks on the EmojiGrid, averaged by experimental condition (scenario) and touch phase. Results suggest that the characters of the observed interaction are perceived to be in a less negative affective state when touch is reciprocated by the receiver. That effect is moderated by the Partner factor, with the reciprocity effect being smaller in the Robot condition ( B ). A more aroused state is reported when touch happens between a human and the robot rather than two humans. More specifically, perceived arousal is higher when the robot is the one expressing vulnerability ( C ). Arousal also increases when touch is reciprocated by the receiver, with no significant difference between human and robot partner ( D ). Individuals’ propensity to trust others is positively associated with perceived arousal, only in human-to-human interactions ( E ). Individuals’ touch aversion is associated with reduced arousal.”