A Comparative Correlational Study on Affectionate Communication and Well-being among Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Drawing upon the scholarship of Floyd’s affectionate communication, this study offers insight into the association between affectionate communication (AC) and well-being (WB) among heterosexual couples. Employing Pearson correlation and independent t-test, the study highlights intergenerational differences in the enactments of affectionate communication between young and middle-aged heterosexual couples in India. Using the affectionate communication index (ACI) and personal well-being index, the study surveyed a sample of 105 heterosexual adults involved in romantic relationships—49 middle-aged and 56 young— belonging to the age group of 18-35 and 36-50 years. The results demonstrate statistically significant positive correlation between affectionate communication and well-being among both young and middle-aged adults. Additionally, significant differences in the mean values of affectionate communication are observed between the two generations with younger generations reporting higher levels of engagements in non-verbal affectionate behaviors (e.g., holding hands, kissing on the cheek). The practical implications of these findings are discussed.