Principal Investigator: Dr. M. Crispen, Department of Social Behaviour
Publication: Strategic Eorzean Resource Review · Bacon Industries™ Internal Research Archive
This study examines whether a hug delivered immediately following a /slap produces greater perceived emotional value than a conventional hug. Results strongly suggest that it does. Researchers attribute the effect to contrast, emotional reset, and the sudden restoration of personal dignity.
1. Research Question
Why does a normal hug feel like a normal hug, while a hug received immediately after being slapped can feel like the finest hug imaginable?
The research team hypothesised that the /slap establishes an unusually clear emotional baseline. The subsequent /hug therefore registers not merely as affection, but as relief.
2. Experimental Design
Participants were exposed to four interaction sequences under controlled social conditions. Emotional response was self-reported using the Bacon Industries Affectional Impact Index™ (AII).
| Sequence | AII Score | Participant comment |
|---|---|---|
| /hug | 7.1 | “Nice.” |
| /slap | 3.8 | “Rude.” |
| /slap → /hug | 14.7 | “Oh my god, thank you.” |
| /hug → /slap | 2.1 | “I have questions.” |
3. The Contrast Principle
The data indicate that affection becomes significantly more noticeable when preceded by a brief and clearly defined reduction in affection.
The slap establishes contrast. The hug establishes resolution.
Researchers therefore conclude that the emotional value of a hug cannot be evaluated independently of the events immediately preceding it.
4. Recommended Application
Bacon Industries does not recommend unsolicited physical aggression. However, within established role-play conventions, the sequence /slap → /hug appears to provide unusually high emotional returns for minimal interaction cost.
“A hug without contrast is merely a hug. A hug after a slap is a story.”
— Dr. M. Crispen, Applied Social Psychology Symposium
5. Conclusion
The Post-Slap Hug is not objectively better because the slap is desirable. It is better because the brain apparently enjoys having a problem immediately solved.
Recommendation: Researchers should investigate whether /comfort, /pat, and emergency pastry consumption produce similar effects.