Juliana Harkki
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Total Citations
1
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About
Juliana Harkki is a clinical researcher whose work sits at the intersection of psychophysiology and addiction neuroscience. Her primary research focuses on alcohol use disorder (AUD), specifically investigating how sensory interventions—particularly C-tactile (CT) afferent stimulation—can modulate physiological stress responses and craving during early abstinence. In her most cited study, a randomized controlled trial published in 2024, Harkki demonstrated that CT-optimal touch significantly alters heart rate variability in AUD patients exposed to alcohol cues, suggesting a novel, non-pharmacological pathway to reduce relapse risk. This work addresses a critical gap in addiction treatment, where stress and cue-induced craving often derail recovery even after prolonged abstinence. Though early in her career, Harkki’s integration of affective touch with autonomic nervous system measures offers a promising, body-based approach to addiction therapy. Her findings have implications not only for AUD but also for understanding how interoceptive and tactile processes influence emotional regulation in clinical populations. As her citation count grows, Harkki is emerging as a thoughtful voice in translational psychophysiology.
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