London, Nov 3 : There’s nothing more comforting than a hug. However, psychologists warn that the trend of political-correctness is killing the innocent cuddle.

The finding is based on a study conducted in the UK.

Dr. David Holmes, senior psychologist of Manchester Metropolitan University, said that people have become so nervous about giving others a hug for fear of the consequences that the hug is close to extinction in the country.

"Political correctness is partly to blame as we have been conditioned not to touch anyone anymore as it can easily be deemed inappropriate," the Daily Mail quoted him, as saying.

"Life now is all about having minimal physical contact. It is a real shame, but on the serious side it is a scientific fact that animals who receive little affection are unhappier than those that receive more contact.

"In addition, these days we are just too busy to hug.

"Britain as a nation has forgotten how to hug. No-one does it anymore. We are out of the habit.

"You have situations where families aren't even in the same room as each other in the evenings anymore because children are upstairs playing in their own rooms.

"And young career couples simply forget because they are working such long hours and are busy when they get home.

"It is said that we just don't seem to touch each other anymore. A hug is an important part of life. We are basically animals and so need physical contact like animals do."

The study also revealed that in a home of two people or more, the youngest members are the ones who enjoy the majority of the cuddles.

However as kids grow up, and reach the age of 11 the cuddles drop off till the time they turn 18. Once they reach that landmark, they start to receive an increased number of hugs till they are 21.

It also emerged 18-34 year olds get three times as many hugs as those aged 45 -65.

A spokeswoman for Imperial Leather, which conducted the study, appealed for Brits to join the quest to bring back the hug.

"Physical contact is a human need, and although often forgotten, hugs are essential to combat and cope with every day stresses," she said.

"Our study found having huggable, snuggleable soft skin makes us feel happier when coming into contact with loved ones.

"Imperial Leather are appealing to the great British public to join us in our quest to bring back the old-fashioned hug."

Dr David Holmes added: "Overall, we should get back to hugging. It is good for us after all. (ANI)