This systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis examines the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions, encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies in the systematic review (n = 12,966 individuals). The study found that touch interventions have a medium-sized effect on both physical and mental health, with notable benefits in reducing pain, depression, anxiety, and increasing weight gain in newborns, as well as regulating cortisol levels in adults. Touch interventions involving objects or robots were less effective in improving mental health compared to human touch, but had similar physical benefits. Adult clinical cohorts showed stronger mental health benefits compared to healthy individuals. Parental touch was more beneficial for newborns than touch from unfamiliar sources. The study also explored the influence of various moderators, such as the type of touch, frequency and duration of interventions, demographic factors, and body part touched, finding that the number of sessions was positively associated with improving trait outcomes like depression and anxiety, while increasing session duration did not enhance health effects. The results highlight the importance of touch in promoting well-being across different age groups and populations.This systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis examines the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions, encompassing 137 studies in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies in the systematic review (n = 12,966 individuals). The study found that touch interventions have a medium-sized effect on both physical and mental health, with notable benefits in reducing pain, depression, anxiety, and increasing weight gain in newborns, as well as regulating cortisol levels in adults. Touch interventions involving objects or robots were less effective in improving mental health compared to human touch, but had similar physical benefits. Adult clinical cohorts showed stronger mental health benefits compared to healthy individuals. Parental touch was more beneficial for newborns than touch from unfamiliar sources. The study also explored the influence of various moderators, such as the type of touch, frequency and duration of interventions, demographic factors, and body part touched, finding that the number of sessions was positively associated with improving trait outcomes like depression and anxiety, while increasing session duration did not enhance health effects. The results highlight the importance of touch in promoting well-being across different age groups and populations.