Translating, adapting and validating the touch experiences and attitudes questionnaire (TEAQ) for the Italian population

Touch plays a central role in human interaction and well-being, conveying warmth and connection. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire (TEAQ) for the Italian population. A total of 301 participants aged 20–66 years (M = 33.48, SD = 10.66) completed the Italian version of the TEAQ, together with the Touch Avoidance Measure (TAM) and Touch Avoidance Questionnaire (TAQ) to assess convergent validity and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) as a discriminant measure. Associations with mirror-touch synaesthesia (MTS) were also examined. Gender differences in touch attitudes and experiences were also assessed. Construct validity was established through a graded response. These findings confirm the Italian TEAQ as a reliable and valid instrument to assess individual differences in attitudes toward touch, with potential applications in both research and clinical contexts. model and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). CFA confirmed the six-factor structure of the original TEAQ, showing satisfactory fit. Reliability was high across subscales. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations of TEAQ subscales with TAM and TAQ scores, while discriminant validity was indicated by generally low correlations with BFI traits, except for associations with Extraversion and Agreeableness. Women reported higher scores on the Friendship and Family Touch (FFT) and Attitude to Self-Care (ASC) subscales, whereas men scored higher on Attitude to Unfamiliar Touch (AUT).