Mom's voice can prompt stress relief

May 12, 2010 -- There's nothing like the sound of mom's voice to make things better.

A new study has determined that for daughters in search of a calming influence, hearing the soothing sound of mom's voice over the phone can prompt as much hormone induced stress relief as an actual hug.

The study in the proceedings of the Royal Society B found both phone and in-person maternal contact produced an equally substantial and enduring reprieve from stress and anxiety among the girls.

The current study did not involve boys, but scientist's say stress regulation may differ by gender with males opting for a fight or flight strategy.

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