The need for the physical warmth of another body, the need to absorb the infrared energy of another body, and to generate the same energy in return is indispensable. The need can accommodate a wide range of personal preferences. Therapy groups sometimes forbid a member from having personnel, particularly sexual relationships. In its most perfect form, however, the transnational model of successful mental health includes sex. In its idealized form, sex can be thought of as two naked adults, functioning intimately and playfully as children.
Groups control behavior by providing or withholding permissions and protections.
A group's value is found in its ability to allow strokes which produce intimacy in a safe and appropriate way. In the absence of touch, people try to fill sexual needs in other ways. The adoption of pets, self pleasuring, fantasy and artistic expression work are examples of transference. Transference satisfies this human need, but in a less direct way. People frequently transfer sexual needs into the compulsive work, for example.