This is the reason you can’t stop touching your own boobs, according to scientists

It’s one of the unspoken features of womanhood: boob-touching. Your own body that is, and in the privacy of your own home.

If you’ve ever been drawn to subconsciously cupping your own bust, you might have wondered you’re doing it.

According to scientists, this particular act of self love serves an intriguing evolutionary purpose. 

When the breasts are touched, the pituitary gland in the brain releases a flood of chemicals.

These hormones are known to induce feelings of calm, and can protect against depression.

It includes oxytocin – the so-called ‘love’ hormone that is also pumped out during cuddles, according to clinical psychologist Meghan Jablonski, who spoke to Cosmopolitan. 

‘If you’re feeling anxious, nervous or kind of scared, go ahead and give them a squeeze,’ advises Cosmo, in a video posted by the site.

Brain imaging studies have identified a surge in oxytocin when both men and women touch their own chest, as well as others’.

Cupping your own boobs not only releases feel-good hormones in the brain, but is a particularly comfortable position for relaxed hands and fingers

Plus-sized model Tess Holliday showed how she boob-grabs at New York fashion week in 2020

But speaking to Cosmopoliton, behavioural experts say feel-good hormones aren’t the only driver of the habit.

Body-language specialist Blanca Cobb said that when we’re relaxed, our fingers and palms are naturally curved, which means a hand on the breast is an especially comfortable fit.

Experts say oxytocin is also released in male brains when they engage in the common habit of resting their hands on their genitals.

But some psychologists say this behavior may also be a way of asserting masculinity.

‘The penis is a strong symbol of masculinity, and all men want that department to be working well,’ Integrative psychotherapist Jo Ryder told Vice.

‘Putting your hand on your penis is cocky, [it] shows confidence in one’s masculinity.’