Paula D. Trotter
Papers
3
Total Citations
157
H-Index
3
About
Paula D. Trotter is a neuroscientist and psychologist whose research sits at the intersection of sensory neuroscience, affective touch, and developmental psychology. She has made significant contributions to understanding how tactile stimulation — particularly through C-tactile (CT) afferents, the nerve fibers specialized for gentle, affectionate touch — shapes emotional well-being and social bonding. Her highly cited 2017 paper (73 citations) provided compelling evidence that CT-targeted skin stimulation carries intrinsic motivational and appetitive value, advancing the "social touch hypothesis" and clarifying the neurological underpinnings of why human touch feels rewarding. Trotter has also distinguished herself through her socially impactful research on vulnerable populations. Her 2020 study (61 citations) investigating childhood adversity and touch perception in UK care leavers — young people with histories of neglect and abuse — illuminated how early deprivation can alter affective touch processing, with significant implications for mental health intervention. Her later work examining individual differences in static versus dynamic touch further refines our understanding of how people vary in their responses to affectionate contact. Collectively, her research offers a vital bridge between fundamental sensory science and real-world applications in psychological health and trauma-informed care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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