2,604
Views
14
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Exploring the effects of pillow talk on relationship satisfaction and physiological stress responses to couples’ difficult conversations

, , , , &
Pages 267-290 | Received 11 Jul 2019, Accepted 07 Jan 2020, Published online: 02 Mar 2020

References

  • Afifi, T. D., Callejas, M. A., & Harrison, K. (in press). Resilience through stress: Advancing the theory of resilience and relational load. In L. S. Aloia, A. Denes, & J. P. Crowley (Eds.), Oxford handbook of the physiology of interpersonal communication. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
  • Afifi, T. D., Davis, S., Merrill, A., Coveleski, S., Denes, A., & Afifi, W. A. (2015). In the wake of the great recession: Economic uncertainty, communication, and physiological stress responses in families. Human Communication Research, 41, 268–302. doi: 10.1111/hcre.12048
  • Afifi, T. D., Merrill, A. F., & Davis, S. (2016). The theory of resilience and relational load. Personal Relationships, 23, 663–683. doi: 10.1111/pere.12159
  • Afifi, T., Granger, D., Ersig, A., Tsalikian, E., Shahnazi, A., Davis, S., … Scranton, A. (2019). Testing the theory of resilience and relational load (TRRL) in families with type I diabetes. Health Communication, 34, 1107–1119. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1461585
  • Afifi, T., & Steuber, K. (2009). The revelation risk model (RRM): Factors that predict the revelation of secrets and the strategies used to reveal them. Communication Monographs, 76, 144–176. doi: 10.1080/03637750902828412
  • Aloia, L. S., & Solomon, D. H. (2015). Conflict intensity, family history, and physiological stress reactions to conflict within romantic relationships. Human Communication Research, 41, 367–389. doi: 10.1111/hcre.12049
  • Bennett, M., & Denes, A. (2019). Lying in bed: An analysis of deceptive affectionate messages during sexual activity in young adults’ romantic relationships. Communication Quarterly, 67, 140–157. doi: 10.1080/01463373.2018.1557722
  • Brody, L. R., & Hall, J. A. (2008). Gender and emotion in context. In M. Lewis & J. Haviland-Jones (Eds.), Handbook of emotions (3rd ed., pp. 395–408). New York, NY: Guilford.
  • Chadwick, A. E., Zoccola, P. M., Figueroa, W. S., & Rabideau, E. M. (2016). Communication and stress: Effects of hope evocation and rumination messages on heart rate, anxiety, and emotions after a stressor. Health Communication, 31, 1447–1459. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2015.1079759
  • Crowley, J. P. (2014). Expressive writing to cope with hate speech: Assessing psychobiological stress recovery and forgiveness promotion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer victims of hate speech. Human Communication Research, 40, 238–261. doi: 10.1111/hcre.12020
  • Denes, A. (2012). Pillow talk: Exploring disclosures after sexual activity. Western Journal of Communication, 76, 91–108. doi: 10.1080/10570314.2011.651253
  • Denes, A. (2018). Toward a post-sex disclosures model: Exploring the associations among orgasm, self-disclosure, and relationship satisfaction. Communication Research, 45, 297–318. doi: 10.1177/0093650215619216
  • Denes, A., & Afifi, T. D. (2014). Pillow talk and cognitive decision making processes: Exploring the role of orgasm and alcohol on communication after sexual activity. Communication Monographs, 81, 333–358. doi: 10.1080/03637751.2014.926377
  • Denes, A., Afifi, T. D., & Granger, D. (2017). Physiology and pillow talk: Relations between testosterone and communication post sex. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 34, 281–308. doi: 10.1177/0265407516634470
  • Denes, A., Dhillon, A., & Speer, A. C. (2017). Relational maintenance strategies during the post sex time interval. Communication Quarterly, 65, 307–332. doi: 10.1080/01463373.2016.1245206
  • Denes, A., Speer, A. C., Dhillon, A., & Winkler, K. L. (2016). Future directions in post sex communication research: Exploring long-term relationships, aging, and physiology. In J. F. Nussbaum (Ed.), Communication across the lifespan: ICA theme book (pp. 63–78). New York, NY: Peter Lang.
  • Ditzen, B., Schaer, M., Gabriel, B., Bodenmann, G., Ehlert, U., & Heinrichs, M. (2009). Intranasal oxytocin increases positive communication and reduces cortisol levels during couple conflict. Biological Psychiatry, 65, 728–731. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.10.011
  • Duncombe, J., & Marsden, D. (1993). Love and intimacy: The gender division of emotion and emotion work: A neglected aspect of sociological discussion of heterosexual relationships. Sociology, 27, 221–241. doi: 10.1177/0038038593027002003
  • Falconier, M. K., Nussbeck, F., Bodenmann, G., Schneider, H., & Bradbury, T. (2015). Stress from daily hassles in couples: Its effects on intradyadic stress, relationship satisfaction, and physical and psychological well-being. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 41, 221–235. doi: 10.1111/jmft.12073
  • Fekedulegn, D. B., Andrew, M. E., Burchfiel, C. M., Violanti, J. M., Hartley, T. A., Charles, L. E., & Miller, D. B. (2007). Area under the curve and other summary indicators of repeated waking cortisol measurements. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69, 651–659. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e31814c405c
  • Fixmer-Oraiz, N., & Wood, J. T. (2019). Gendered lives: Communication, gender, and culture (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
  • Flensborg-Madsen, T., Ventegodt, S., & Merrick, J. (2006). Sense of coherence and physical health. The emotional sense of coherence (SOC-E) was found to be the best-known predictor of physical health. The Scientific World Journal, 6, 2147–2157. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2006.344
  • Floyd, K. (2001). Human affection exchange: I. Reproductive probability as a predictor of men's affection with their sons. The Journal of Men's Studies, 10, 39–50. doi: 10.3149/jms.1001.39
  • Floyd, K. (2002). Human affection exchange V: Attributes of the highly affectionate. Communication Quarterly, 50, 135–152. doi: 10.1080/01463370209385653
  • Floyd, K. (2006). Communicating affection: Interpersonal behavior and social context. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Floyd, K., & Afifi, T. D. (2011). Biological and physiological perspectives on interpersonal communication. In M. L. Knapp & J. A. Daly (Eds.), The handbook of interpersonal communication (4th ed., pp. 87–127). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • Floyd, K., Boren, J. P., Hannawa, A. F., Hesse, C., McEwan, B., & Veksler, A. E. (2009). Kissing in marital and cohabiting relationships: Effects on blood lipids, stress, and relationship satisfaction. Western Journal of Communication, 73, 113–133. doi: 10.1080/10570310902856071
  • Floyd, K., Hess, J. A., Miczo, L. A., Halone, K. K., Mikkelson, A. C., & Tusing, K. J. (2005). Human affection exchange: VIII. Further evidence of the benefits of expressed affection. Communication Quarterly, 53, 285–303. doi: 10.1080/01463370500101071
  • Floyd, K., Hesse, C., & Generous, M. A. (2014). Affection exchange theory: A bio-evolutionary look at affectionate communication. In D. O. Braithwaite & P. Schrodt (Eds.), Engaging theories of interpersonal communication (2nd ed., pp. 309–319). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli, L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., … Wilson, J. (2007a). Human affection exchange: XIII. Affectionate communication accelerates neuroendocrine stress recovery. Health Communication, 22, 123–132. doi: 10.1080/10410230701454015
  • Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli, L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., … Wilson, J. (2007b). Human affection exchange: XIV. Relational affection predicts resting heart rate and free cortisol secretion during acute stress. Behavioral Medicine, 32, 151–156. doi: 10.3200/BMED.32.4.151-156
  • Floyd, K., & Riforgiate, S. (2008). Affectionate communication received from spouses predicts stress hormone levels in healthy adults. Communication Monographs, 75, 351–368. doi: 10.1080/03637750802512371
  • Gordis, E. G., Granger, D., Susman, E. J., & Trickett, P. K. (2008). Salivary alpha amylase-cortisol asymmetry in maltreated youth. Hormones and Behavior, 53, 96–103. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2006.05.010 doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.09.002
  • Gottman, J. M. (1993). A theory of marital dissolution and stability. Journal of Family Psychology, 7, 57–75. doi: 10.1037/0893-3200.7.1.57
  • Gottman, J., Markman, H., & Notarius, C. (1977). The topography of marital conflict: A sequential analysis of verbal and nonverbal behavior. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 39, 461–477. doi: 10.2307/350902
  • Halpern, J., & Sherman, S. (1979). Afterplay: A key to intimacy. New York, NY: Stein & Day Publishers.
  • Heiman, J. R., Long, J. S., Smith, S. N., Fisher, W. A., Sand, M. S., & Rosen, R. C. (2011). Sexual satisfaction and relationship happiness in midlife and older couples in five countries. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40, 741–753. doi: 10.1007/s10508-010-9703-3
  • Hendrick, S. S. (1988). A generic measure of relationship satisfaction. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 50, 93–98. doi: 10.2307/352430
  • Horan, S. M. (2012). Affection exchange theory and perceptions of relational transgressions. Western Journal of Communication, 76, 109–126. doi: 10.1080/10570314.2011.651548
  • Horan, S. M., & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2010). Investing in affection: An investigation of affection exchange theory and relational qualities. Communication Quarterly, 58, 394–413. doi: 10.1080/01463373.2010.524876
  • Hughes, S. M., & Kruger, D. J. (2011). Sex differences in post-coital behaviors in long- and short-term mating: An evolutionary perspective. Journal of Sex Research, 48, 496–505. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2010.501915
  • Kahan, B. C., Rehal, S., & Cro, S. (2015). Risk of selection bias in randomised trials. Trials, 16, 405. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0920-x
  • Kenny, D. A., Kashy, D. A., & Cook, W. L. (2006). Dyadic data analysis. New York, NY: Guilford.
  • Kline, R. B. (2016). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford.
  • Kruger, D. J., & Hughes, S. M. (2010). Variation in reproductive strategies influences post-coital experiences with partners. Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 4, 254–274. doi: 10.1037/h0099285
  • Lavee, Y., & Ben-Ari, A. (2007). Relationship of dyadic closeness with work-related stress: A daily diary study. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69, 1021–1035. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2007.00428.x
  • Lazarus, R. S. (1966). Psychological stress and the coping process. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
  • Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York, NY: Springer.
  • Lund, M. (1985). The development of investment and commitment scales for predicting continuity of personal relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2, 3–23. doi: 10.1177/0265407585021001
  • McCambridge, J., de Bruin, M., & Witton, J. (2012). The effects of demand characteristics on research participant behaviours in non-laboratory settings: A systematic review. PloS one, 7, e39116. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039116
  • Muise, A., Giang, E., & Impett, E. A. (2014). Post sex affectionate exchanges promote sexual and relationship satisfaction. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43, 1391–1402. doi: 10.1007/s10508-014-0305-3
  • Ogolsky, B. G., & Bowers, J. R. (2012). A meta-analytic review of relationship maintenance and its correlates. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 30, 343–367. doi:10.1177/ 0265407512463338 doi: 10.1177/0265407512463338
  • Orne, M. T. (1962). On the social psychology of the psychological experiment: With particular reference to demand characteristics and their implications. American Psychologist, 17, 776–783. doi: 10.1037/h0043424
  • Pruessner, J. C., Kirschbaum, C., Meinlschmid, G., & Hellhammer, D. H. (2003). Two formulas for computation of the area under the curve represent measures of total hormone concentration versus time-dependent change. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 29, 916–931. doi: 10.1016/S0306-4530(02)00108-7
  • Robles, T. F., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2003). The physiology of marriage: Pathways to health. Physiology & Behavior, 79, 409–416. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9384(03)00160-4
  • Rusbult, C. E. (1980). Commitment and satisfaction in romantic associations: A test of the investment model. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 16, 172–186. doi: 10.1016/0022-1031(80)90007-4
  • Schäfer, G. (2008). Romantic love in heterosexual relationships: Women’s experiences. Journal of Social Sciences, 16, 187–197. doi: 10.1080/09718923.2008.11892617
  • Stafford, L., Dainton, M., & Haas, S. (2000). Measuring routine and strategic relational maintenance: Scale revision, sex versus gender roles, and the prediction of relational characteristics. Communication Monographs, 67, 306–323. doi: 10.1080/03637750009376512
  • Stiles, W. B. (1987). “I have to talk to somebody”: A fever model of disclosure. In V. J. Derlega & J. H. Berg (Eds.), Self-disclosure: Theory, research, and therapy (pp. 257–282). New York, NY: Plenum Press.
  • Totenhagen, C. J., Butler, E. A., & Ridley, C. A. (2012). Daily stress, closeness, and satisfaction in gay and lesbian couples. Personal Relationships, 19, 219–233. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2011.01349.x
  • Veenestra, M. (2007). Afterglow. In F. Malti-Douglas (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sex and gender (Vol. 1, pp. 39–40). Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference.
  • Weston, R., & Gore Jr. P. A. (2006). A brief guide to structural equation modeling. The Counseling Psychologist, 34, 719–751. doi: 10.1177/0011000006286345

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.