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.

Winner, 2020 Choice Outstanding Academic Title

‘Understanding and expressing affectionate behaviors has, perhaps, never been more important. Kory Floyd is the long-time leader in affectionate communication research, and this significant volume uses his Affection Exchange Theory to anchor far-reaching and practical opportunities, benefits, and concerns about communicating affection.'

Dawn O. Braithwaite - Willa Cather Professor and Chair, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

‘Kory Floyd provides an amazingly complete, integrated, and critiqued account of existing research on the expression and exchange of affection. Both engaging and sophisticated, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the myriad factors that contribute to beneficial and problematic affection exchange.'

Valerie Manusov - University of Washington

‘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