In romantic relationships, touch is usually considered a part of everyday life: a quick back rub while cooking dinner, a hug after a long day at work or a lingering kiss before falling asleep. It’s a simple way to show support, express affection and communicate sexual desire.

Yet for some — especially among those who experienced childhood maltreatment — a partner’s touch can trigger discomfort, anxiety or even avoidance.

Our previous research revealed that childhood maltreatment, including neglect and sexual, physical and emotional abuse, can have lasting effects on adult romantic relationships and sexuality. Yet, we know little about one overlooked aspect of intimacy: touch.

A partner’s touch can seem harmless, but people with a history of childhood maltreatment may experience it differently. Understanding these reactions helps explain some of the intimacy and sexual difficulties reported by couples years after the abuse.

When touch feels threatening

Childhood maltreatment affects approximately 35 to 40 per cent of adults in Canada. Some of our recent research has shown that because childhood maltreatment happens within relationships that are supposed to feel safe, victims may come to associate closeness, vulnerability or physical contact with fear, uncertainty or loss of control.

In our first study, we examined whether negative reactions to touch........

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