Sometimes a phone call is as good as being there

Some researchers stressed some adolescent girls by making them give an impromptu speech and solve a series of math problems in front of a panel of strangers. Their cortisol levels soared. Then some were comforted by hugs from mom, some by a phone call from mom, and some watched an emotionally neutral movie.

The interesting result was that the phone call increased oxytocin and reduced cortisol as much as the hug from mom.