Pedro Pascal's 'Hot Girl Anxiety': A Scientific Breakdown

PEDRO PASCAL'S HOT GIRL ANXIETY EXPOSED: HAS THE STAR OF FANTASTIC FOUR BEEN TAKING THINGS TOO FAR?

The hunk of Hollywood, Pedro Pascal, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with his chiseled features and dashing good looks. But beneath the surface, it seems the 50-year-old actor is struggling with a more serious issue - anxiety.

In a shocking interview from 2023, Pascal revealed that he uses physical touch to manage his high-stress moments, including red carpets and press tours. The "Last of Us" star confessed to co-star Bella Ramsey that he often places a hand on his chest or reaches out to someone close by to help calm his nerves.

However, social media users have been quick to label Pascal's coping mechanism as PDA (Public Display of Affection) with female co-stars like Vanessa Kirby. And it seems they're not entirely wrong - eagle-eyed fans and critics have spotted the actor getting a bit too touchy-feely with his leading ladies during promotional events for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

In one cringe-worthy moment, Pascal was seen with his hand on Kirby's pregnant belly during a red carpet appearance. But while some users are calling him out for being creepy, experts say that physical touch is actually a powerful tool in managing anxiety disorders.

THE POWER OF TOUCH

According to Dr. Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, touch can be one of the most effective ways to calm anxiety. "Touch is one of the most natural and powerful ways to regulate our nervous system," she explained. "It releases oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle hormone,' which promotes feelings of trust and security."

Dr. Albers pointed out that this release of oxytocin can be triggered not only by physical contact with another person but also by self-touch - like placing a hand on your chest or holding hands with an imaginary partner.

But how does it work? Dr. Michael Wetter, clinical psychologist at Wetter Psychological Services in Los Angeles, explained that touching one's own chest stimulates the vagus nerve, which controls vital functions like digestion and heart rate. This stimulation slows down the release of cortisol, a hormone released during stress that sends the body into "fight-or-flight" mode.

"It signals to the brain that you're okay, you're safe," Dr. Wetter said. "This internal cue can interrupt the spiral of anxious thought and help re-anchor someone to the present moment."

IS PASCAL'S BEHAVIOR JUSTIFIED?

While some experts argue that physical touch is a natural way to manage anxiety, others are questioning whether Pascal's behavior is crossing a line.

An X user tweeted: "Me wondering why Pedro Pascal never has 'anxiety' around his male co-workers." The criticism suggests that the actor may be using his female co-stars as a prop to cope with his anxiety - and it's not just social media users who are calling him out.

Psychotherapist Erica Schwartzberg pointed out that people with anxiety often struggle with boundaries and can get caught up in overstimulating situations. "It's not all in the mind; it's in the body too," she said. "The release of oxytocin and slowing of cortisol has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and calm the digestive system."

SELF-SOOTHING TECHNIQUES

While Pascal may be using physical touch as a coping mechanism, there are many other self-soothing techniques that can help manage anxiety.

Dr. Pamela Walters, consultant psychiatrist at Eulas Clinics in the UK, recommended trying a "butterfly hug" - crossing your arms over your chest and tapping your shoulders or upper arms while slowly breathing in and out.

Psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman also suggested using grounding techniques, like having someone put their feet on top of yours to help you feel closer to the floor.

And for those who don't have a friend or loved one to hold onto during an anxiety attack, experts suggest trying weighted blankets or stuffed animals, which simulate physical contact.

IS PASCAL'S CASE A WARNING SIGN?

As Pascal prepares to make his Marvel debut as Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four: First Steps," fans are left wondering whether his behavior is a warning sign for other actors struggling with anxiety.

Dr. Wetter said that while touch can be applied to most situations, it's essential to recognize the importance of consent and boundaries in any physical interaction. "For many people—whether they're performing on camera, sitting in a boardroom, or simply trying to get through a difficult day—these small, intentional physical gestures can be a surprisingly effective way to manage anxiety."

But will Pascal take the cue from his experts and tone down his PDA game? Only time will tell.