Residents of Brighton and Hove still favour shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time, finds new survey

Over half (56%) of people surveyed in Brighton and Hove said their preferred method of greeting someone they are meeting for the first time is shaking hands (as opposed to a verbal introduction or a kiss on the cheek)

Nearly two thirds (65%) of people surveyed in Brighton and Hove feel a handshake is the most appropriate way to greet a stranger in the UK. Over a quarter of responses (26%) in the survey highlighted that people in Brighton and Hove would feel embarrassed, upset or frustrated if they were unable to shake hands when greeting someone. 49% of those surveyed in Brighton and Hove said they would be upset if they were unable to hold hands with their partner, children or grandchildren. Over three quarters of people (80%) in Brighton and Hove hold hands to show affection for a loved one. 35% saying they measure a stranger’s confidence based on a firm handshake.

42% of people surveyed in Brighton and Hove said that being unable to shake hands would affect their working life the most and more than 27% felt their social life would be affected. Similarly 49% of those surveyed said they would be upset if they were unable to hold hands with their partner, children or grandchildren.

The survey was undertaken by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, who have developed the first injectable treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture, a slow, progressive condition of the hand that causes the finger to pull permanently towards the palm.

“As this survey has reinforced, people judge each other and themselves by their handshake, particularly in Britain where the handshake is a very British thing,” said Judi James, one of the UK’s leading body language and behaviour authors. “A disease like Dupuytren’s that interferes with this can have a significant effect on a person’s confidence and their interactions with people. As well as an impact at work or socially, a lack of hand function can also have an effect on family relationships since so many people hold hands to display affection to their loved ones.”