Trait Affectionate Communication Influences Perceived Fitness as a Parent and Romantic Partner: A Test of Affection Exchange Theory

Alessandro Ventura¹, Kory Floyd^2, and Colin Hesse³

¹Frances McClelland Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States

²Department of Communication, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States

³School of Communication, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States

Cite this paper:
Alessandro Ventura, Kory Floyd and Colin Hesse. Trait Affectionate Communication Influences Perceived Fitness as a Parent and Romantic Partner: A Test of Affection Exchange Theory. American Journal of Applied Psychology. 2025; 13(1):1-9. doi: 10.12691/ajap-13-1-1

Abstract

According to affection exchange theory (AET), the tendency to communicate affection is evolutionarily adaptive in humans. Whereas much research has documented the health and social outcomes of affectionate communication, its role in potential pair-bonding and reproductive success has received less attention. AET proposes that high trait levels of affectionate communication covary with the perception that one is a fit potential romantic partner and a fit potential parent. This experiment investigated these claims, along with the claim that trait affectionate communication makes one a more desirable potential dating partner. The study found partial support for AET’s postulate 3b, indicating that the assessment of fit parenthood and fit partnerhood is moderated by gender. No association between affectionate communication and dating desirability was identified.

Keywords:
affection affectionate communication affection exchange theory reproductive success

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