Just started playing Death Stranding and the main character has it! Although the game calls it aphenphosmphobia. And I’m not sure it’s a phobia, since it’s a very rational fear for him.
I also dislike being touched, and I’m glad to have a word for it. Previously I just used the word autism, which is more accurate, but less specific.
Both terms are correct. There are a couple names.
Haphephobia is the easiest to pronounce though.
In the game we never really see Sam properly experience it. He just kinda pulls away from Deadman a little and he goes “oh you have a phobia”.
The scene where they both cram into the shower to talk about BB should have had Sam on the floor in a fetal position.
But it doesn’t. Several characters touch or go to touch Sam and he never reacts with more than an unspoken “pls no”.
I dislike being touched and I react the same way as Sam does. It sucks and kinda hurts because of the overstimulation, but it doesn’t debilitate Me. Just makes life a bit harder. My partners are very kind and ask permission before touching Me for intimate times.