Investing in Affection: An Investigation of Affection Exchange Theory and Relational Qualities

Abstract

Affection exchange theory (AET; Floyd, 2001) argues that affectionate communication fosters long-term survival. AET specifically argues that part of this process occurs through the enhancement of close relational bonds. This study tests this proposition, specifically examining how affectionate messages relate to relational investment (satisfaction, commitment, quality of alternatives, and investment size). Analysis of 72 couples (N = 144; M = 35.58 years old) revealed that giving and receiving affection positively related to commitment and satisfaction. Receiving affection strongly predicted perceptions of satisfaction, and communicating affection better predicted commitment. Affection accounted for between 17% and 35% of the variance in perceptions of commitment and satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Affection
• Affection Exchange Theory
• Alternatives
• Commitment
• Investment
• Satisfaction

Notes

Note. Self-reported affection received is correlated with partner-reported communicated affection at p < .01 for both men and women.

p < .01.

Note. p values appear in parentheses (df = 71).

Note. p values appear in parentheses (df = 71).

Note. p values appear in parentheses (df = 70).

Note. p values appear in parentheses (df = 71).

To examine the possibility that our correlations may significantly differ based on sex, the Pearson values were transformed into Fisher z scores and analyzed. None of the correlations significantly differed from each other. Specific values are available from the first author.

To further understand how quality of alternatives may have differed in this sample, a one-way analysis of variance was conducted to discover group differences among the relationship types (casually dating, seriously dating, engaged, and married). However, with the small number of self-identified casually dating couples, it was not interpretable.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sean M. Horan

Sean M. Horan (Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2009) is an assistant professor in the College of Communication at DePaul University.

Melanie Booth-Butterfield

Melanie Booth-Butterfield (Ph.D., University of Missouri–Columbia, 1985) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.