Ｔiｅｒ’ｓ　Ｂｅｎｃｈ

スラッシュ・リーディングの添削指導　中級編英文テキスト

I. Touching is the language of physical intimacy. Because of this, touch can be

the most powerful of all the communication channels. In May 1985, Brigitte

Gerney was trapped for six hours beneath a collapsed construction crane in

New York City. Throughout her *ordeal, she held the hand of a rescue worker,

who stayed by her side as heavy machinery removed the tons of twisted steel

from her crushed legs. A stranger`s touch gave her hope and the will to live.

II. Touch appears to affect the sexes differently. Women sometimes react

much more favorable to touch than mam. In an interesting study, psychologist

asked a group of nurses to lightly touch a patient once or twice shortly before

the patient underwent surgery. The touching produced a strongly positive

reaction - but only among women. It appeared to lower their blood pressure

and anxiety levels both before and after surgery.

III. 　For men, however, the touching proved to be very upsetting Their blood

pressure and anxiety level both rose. The psychologists suspect that because

men are taught to be more stoic, that is, to hide their feelings and to ignore

their fears, the touching rattled them by reminding them that life is fragile.