Human Affection Exchange: VIII. Further Evidence of the Benefits of Expressed Affection

Abstract

Affection exchange theory speaks to the benefits that affectionate communication elicits, not only when it is received but also when it is communicated to others. Previous research has provided evidence for the individual and relational benefits of having a high trait affection level, yet these benefits may partially be accounted for by the affectionate behavior one elicits from others by being affectionate in the first place. We addressed the validity of this alternative hypothesis in this project, first by re-analyzing data in which we compared correlations between trait affection level and various benefits with the same correlations after controlling for received affection. Next, in three studies involving a total sample of 1,144 people, we further investigated the benefits of expressed affection, both on its own and when received affection is covaried out. Results indicated that affection expressed to others is associated with numerous individual and relational benefits, including increased happiness and self esteem, decreased fear of intimacy and susceptibility to depression, and higher relationship satisfaction. Many of these effects are attenuated—and some are intensified—when affection received from others is held constant.

Keywords:

• Affection
• Mental health
• Affection Exchange Theory

Notes

Kory Floyd (PhD, University of Arizona, 1998) is Associate Professor of Human Communication at Arizona State University. Jon Hess (PhD, University of Minnesota, 1996) is Associate Professor of Communication at University of Missouri–Columbia. Lisa Miczo (PhD, University of Arizona, 2000) is Associate Professor of Communication at Western Illinois University. Kelby Halone (PhD, University of Oklahoma, 1998) is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Alan Mikkelson (MA, Arizona State University, 2003) is Assistant Professor of Communication at Whitworth College. Kyle Tusing (PhD, University of Wisconsin, 2000) is Assistant Professor of Communication at University of Arizona. The authors are grateful for the assistance of David Evans, Daniel Garcia, Larry Erbert, Brooks Aylor, Mike Peters, and Jack Sargent. Authorship order for the last two authors was determined alphabetically. This research was supported in part by a grant to the first author from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at Arizona State University. Address correspondence to the first author at Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, PO Box 871205, Tempe AZ 85287-1205, USA (Tel: [phone]; Email: [email protected]).

Ethnicity percentages sum to slightly more than 100 because some participants reported belonging to more than one ethnic group.

The participating universities were Arizona State University, University of Missouri—Columbia, University of Tennessee—Knoxville, University of Texas—El Paso, University of Washington, Western Illinois University, LaSalle University, and Kean University.

Factor loadings are available from the first author by request.

In this and study three, we indicate that the laboratory procedures from the experiments are not relevant to the current analyses because the data being analyzed in this paper were provided by participants prior to their taking part in the laboratory procedures.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kyle James Tusing

Kory Floyd (PhD, University of Arizona, 1998) is Associate Professor of Human Communication at Arizona State University. Jon Hess (PhD, University of Minnesota, 1996) is Associate Professor of Communication at University of Missouri–Columbia. Lisa Miczo (PhD, University of Arizona, 2000) is Associate Professor of Communication at Western Illinois University. Kelby Halone (PhD, University of Oklahoma, 1998) is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Alan Mikkelson (MA, Arizona State University, 2003) is Assistant Professor of Communication at Whitworth College. Kyle Tusing (PhD, University of Wisconsin, 2000) is Assistant Professor of Communication at University of Arizona. The authors are grateful for the assistance of David Evans, Daniel Garcia, Larry Erbert, Brooks Aylor, Mike Peters, and Jack Sargent. Authorship order for the last two authors was determined alphabetically. This research was supported in part by a grant to the first author from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at Arizona State University. Address correspondence to the first author at Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, PO Box 871205, Tempe AZ 85287-1205, USA (Tel: [phone]; Email: [email protected]).