Affection Exchange Theory PDF

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Lesson 1: Affection Exchange Theory Affection Exchange Theory  Definition: behaviors that display fondness and intimacy o Three Forms of Displays of Attention: 1. Verbal  Involves linguistic statements of affection  Example: “I love you”  Example: “you mean a lot to me” 2. Direct Nonverbal  Specific nonverbal behaviors that are known to be displays of affection in a particular culture  Example: hugging and kissing  Example: holding hands 3. Indirect Nonverbal  Behaviors that convey affection through social support  The affection is implied by the supportive behavior  Example: helping with homework  Example: texting to check in an offer support 

Unique for emphasizing biological and evolutionary perspectives on human communication

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Purpose: To explain why people communicate with each other and with what consequences

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Answers 2 key questions about human communication: 1. Why do humans engage in affectionate behavior? 2. Why is affectionate behavior beneficial?

Evolutionary Perspective  Survival and procreation are fundamental human goals o Humans are hard-wired to survive and to have offspring to carry on their biological legacy o Survival and bearing children are innate and inborn instincts in humans 

Communication behaviors serve either or both goals, and even outside conscious awareness o Communication behaviors can either help people survive, help people procreate, or survive and procreate at the same time o This can still occur even if people are not aware that their behavior is directed towards survival, procreation, or both

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Advantageous characteristics will be selected for future generations

o An inheritable trait that advantages a person with respect to survival or procreation will be selected, ensuring a greater representation of that trait in future generations Key Assumptions of Affection Exchange Theory  People are born with the need for affection  Affection is adaptive to survival and procreation  People vary in their optimal tolerance for affectionate communication Research On Affection Exchange Theory  Research Focused on Two Categories 1. Relationship Health à Answers the questions of: 1. Which relationships are more affectionate than others?  Answer: relationships are more affectionate when there is a specific survival or procreative reason for doing so  Example: fathers are more affectionate with biological sons than step sons 2. What are the relationship outcomes of affection?  Answer:  Example: 2. Physical and mental health à People who have higher trait affection have: (physical)  Less stress of the cortisol hormone  Lower resting heart rate  Lower resting blood pressure  Lower blood glucose level  Stronger immune system à People who are

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