Sean M. Horan
Mar 1, 2012
Citations
1
Influential Citations
30
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Western Journal of Communication
Abstract
Affection Exchange Theory (AET; Floyd, 2006a) argues that affectionate messages enhance relational bonds. In order to test this postulate, the present study explored the relationships among affectionate communication, both given and received, and perceptions of relational transgressions (e.g., severity, hurt, and rumination) in established romantic relationships. Results revealed that the amount of received affection negatively related to perceptions of severity, thoughts of rumination, and feelings of hurt. Expressed affection was unrelated to transgression perceptions. Regressions further informed how these factors relate. Results, theoretical implications, and limitations are discussed.