A comprehensive EEG dataset for investigating visual touch perception

Abstract

Visual touch perception is fundamental to body awareness and social bonding, helping us perceive ourselves and connect with others. However, understanding its neural basis has been limited by a lack of comprehensive public datasets. To address this, we present an electroencephalography (EEG) and self-report dataset from 80 participants. It includes neural responses from 2,880 trials per participant, during which participants viewed touch interactions between two hands involving either direct skin contact or object-mediated touch. Complementing the EEG data are self-report measures on empathy, perspective-taking, vicarious touch, and mirror-touch synaesthesia, providing a robust resource for exploring individual differences in visual touch perception. Ninety unique videos were presented in four orientations, with trials evenly split between self- and other-perspectives, and showing touch to either the left or right hand. This design supports investigation into how viewing perspective and hand laterality influence touch processing. Technical validation reveals distinct neural patterns associated with visual, sensory, and emotional touch dimensions, highlighting the datasets potential to advance research into diverse aspects of visual touch perception.