The survey also indicates that countries around the world have divergent views of the U.S. and China. The U.S. retains a higher overall approval rating, with 63% of people around the world having a favorable view of America. China's rating is marginally lower at 50%.
In a study on fears and self-esteem, research published in the journal Psychological Science revealed that hugs and touch significantly reduce worry of mortality. The studies found that hugging -- even if it was just an inanimate object like a teddy bear -- helps soothe individuals' existential fears.
Hugging, similar to kissing, is a ritual that has been around with us for a loooong time. It's one of the things that makes us human. We're social animals, we grew and evolved because we have the ability to communicate and cooperate with others, and it's one of our main advantages as a species.