Affectionate Communication in Close Relationships

Reviews and critiques empirical research on affectionate communication in close relationships and offers questions for future study.

Kory Floyd (Author)

9781108456210, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 October 2020

293 pages, 1 b/w illus. 9 tables
23 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.44 kg

'For the past three decades, Kory Floyd has developed an uncommon clarity and understanding of not only what affection is, but also why it is so significant to a host of life-sustaining issues. His new book is an extended explanation of human affection argued with the grace, clarity, and distinctive voice of a truly insightful scholar. This is Kory Floyd at his very best.' Mark T. Morman, Director of Graduate Studies, Baylor University, Texas

Few communication behaviors are more consequential to the development and maintenance of close relationships than the expression of affection. Indeed, people often use affectionate gestures to initiate or accelerate relationship development. In contrast, the absence of affection in established relationships frequently coincides with relational deterioration. This text explores the scientific research on affection exchange that has emerged from the disciplines of communication, social and clinical psychology, family studies, psychophysiology, sociology, nursing, and behavioral health. Specific points of focus include the individual and relational benefits - including health benefits - of affectionate behavior, the significant detriments associated with lacking sufficient affection, and the risks of expressing affection. It also discusses the primary social and cultural influences on affection exchange, critiques principal theories and measurement models, and offers suggestions for future empirical research.

1. An introduction to affectionate communication
2 Thinking about affection: the theories
3. Encoding and measuring affectionate messages
4. Predicting affectionate behavior
5. Decoding and responding to affectionate messages
6. Communicating affection in various relationships
7. Affectionate communication and mental wellness
8. Affectionate communication and physical health
9. The dark side of affectionate communication
10. Looking back and looking ahead.

Subject Areas: Family & relationships [VFV], Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Psychology [JM], Communication studies [GTC]