Evaluation of high and equal status male and female touchers

Henley's theory of touch and status was explored in a study where male or female subjects spoke to a male or female interviewer with equal or higher status who either touched or did not touch them. Men were relatively less favorable toward equal status and female interviewers who touched them. Status and sex of the touching interviewer did not influence reactions of women. Female interviewers who touched were evaluated more favorably when they had high rather than equal status. Evaluations of touching male interviewers were not moderated by status. Ratings of interviewer status were not influenced by interviewer touch. This finding contrasts with results from studies showing that higher status was ascribed by observers to people initiating touch in photographs and videotapes. It will be necessary in future research to determine the conditions under which touchers can achieve status in the eyes of people they touch.The authors express appreciation to Bruno M. Kappes for his helpful suggestions on the study and to Susan Johnson for her assistance with graphics.