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Tickling, Pain or Pleasure

by Traute Klein, AKA biogardener

Does tickling cause pain or pleasure? Can you tickle yourself? My observations do not agree with a recent British study on the subject.

Study on Tickling

September 15, 2000, CTV news reported on a British scientific study which demonstrates that it is impossible to tickle yourself. Supposedly the brain cannot register self-inflicted tickling. Oh yes? Not so. If I had been a subject in that study, the researchers would not be able to use the word "impossible." I really cannot, however, believe that I am the only person who is able to tickle herself. I am more inclined to think that the study was not conducted honestly. Possibly subjects were chosen who were likely to support a preconceived conclusion. Hopefully, my readers will post some feedback in the discussions following this article to confirm or deny the findings of this study.

Pain or Pleasure

To me the topic of tickling is so painful that I have never discussed it with anyone. I do not let on how much tickling hurts me for fear of giving a potential enemy a chance to test my assertion. I do, however, have a pretty good idea how other people react to this tactual stimulation simply by observation.

Bonding

The Bristish study also demonstrated that the pleasure of tickling creates a bond between two people. Tell me another one, do! Maybe it works in Britain. It did not work that way in Germany, and it is not working in Canada. I have watched children writhing in agony, trying to get away from the tickler. How can you establish a bond when you are trying to escape?

Personal Experience

Sunday mornings at the Wollenberg home. My parents got up before the children up to attend to their duties. This was the one time during the week when my two older brothers and I were allowed to romp in my parents' huge bed. The other six days of the week, the boys had to be in school at 8 a.m. Kurt was 10 years and Gert 8 years older than I, and I was a preschooler. I loved my brothers and wanted to be with them. most of the time, I was shut out from their activities because of the difference in age. This was one of the few chances for me to play with them. Unfortunately, they found out that I am extremely ticklish, and they took great delight in torturing me. Initially I would scream, but when they continued, I would stop breathing and turn red. That stopped them. I do not recall whether this happened just once or repeatedly. The experience was so horrifying to me that in my memory it continued for an eternity. I am inclined to believe that it might well have been an isolated occurrence. If this had happened every Sunday morning, surely, my parents would have heard my screams and would have come to my rescue.

It's Your Turn

It is now your turn to tell us how you feel about tickling. Share your experience in the poll or post a comment in the discussion.
Tickling, Pain or Pleasure?
How do you feel about tickling?
I am not ticklish and have no reaction.
I enjoy being tickled.
I find tickling painful.
Sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I hate it.
I don't care one way or the other.
See the results of this poll.