Abstract
Affectionate communication consists of the verbal and nonverbal means through which people convey messages of love, fondness, appreciation, and commitment to others in close relationships. Like all interpersonal behaviors, affectionate communication has physiological antecedents, correlates, and consequences, many of which have implications for physical and mental wellness. This chapter begins by situating affectionate behavior in a bioevolutionary frame, noting its adaptive nature with respect to survival, procreation, and well-being. The chapter then reviews research on the genetic and neurological distinctions between highly affectionate and less affectionate individuals; the stress management and stress recovery benefits of affection exchange; the associations between affection, immunocompetence, and experiences of relaxation and calm; and the physical and psychological detriments associated with affection deprivation.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Oxford Handbook of the Physiology of Interpersonal Communication |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Pages | 31-47 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780190679446 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2020 |
Keywords
- Affection
- Affection deprivation
- Evolutionary psychology
- Health
- Hormones
- Immune system
- Physiology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology