Hugs enhance a person’s psychological resources.⁠ ⁠ Psychological resources, such as optimism, mastery, and self-esteem, refer to individual differences that are directly predictive of physical and psychological health​​.⁠ Optimism refers to the extent to which people hold favorable expectations about the future. Mastery involves the belief that one can determine one’s own behavior, influence one’s environment, and bring about desired outcomes. Self-esteem refers to a person’s overall evaluation of self-worth.⁠ ⁠ These three resources are closely interrelated and can buffer the effects of stressful life events. Oxytocin released during hugging bolsters these resources, making a child feel loved​ and happy in life.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #children #kid #hugging #cuddling #beinghappy #happiness #science #biology #oxytocin