Laterality of Tickle Sensation Produced by Self-Stimulation1,2

Numerous authors have reported that people cannot create a tickling reaction in themselves. However, Provine (2000) claimed that ticklishness was felt even if he stimulated his own leg with his fingers. Ticklishness was stronger when the hand and leg were on opposite sides of the body. Provine's findings were replicated with 30 university students. Two types of stimulus presentation methods were adopted: a participant's fingers and a paintbrush. Ticklishness was assessed by self-rating and evaluation by observers. Provine's claim was supported only by the self-rating of stimulation with the fingers.