No, we are not born fully ticklish, but the predisposition to being ticklish is likely present from birth. The intensity of ticklishness and the specific areas that are ticklish develop over time.
The Development of Ticklishness
Several factors contribute to our experience of ticklishness:
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Nerve Density: Individual nerve density varies. As [Dong notes](Source referencing genetics and nerve density), this inherent difference contributes to varying levels of sensitivity to touch, including ticklishness. Some individuals are naturally more sensitive than others.
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Genetics: [Multiple sources suggest](Sources suggesting genetic influence) a genetic component influences ticklishness. This means a genetic predisposition might make some people more or less ticklish than others.
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Sensory System Development: Babies have fully developed sensory systems at birth, allowing them to respond to touch. However, [evidence suggests](Source stating babies are more ticklish than adults) that the experience of ticklishness is refined over time as the nervous system matures and learns to process these sensory inputs.
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Learned Response: While not inherently born ticklish, the experience of being tickled and the associated laughter are learned responses. Early childhood experiences greatly impact an individual's response to tickling.
Why We Are Ticklish: A Protective Mechanism
[Research indicates](Source mentioning tickling as a protective mechanism) that the tickling response may serve a protective function. The unexpected touch of a sensitive area could signal a potential threat. The resulting response, often laughter or avoidance, could be a survival mechanism.
Ticklishness Across the Lifespan
[It's observed](Source mentioning age and ticklishness) that ticklishness changes over time. Babies and young children are often more ticklish than adults. This could be due to differences in sensory processing and responses. The specific areas of the body that elicit a ticklish response may also change as we age.
