Abstract
Affectionate communication comprises verbal and nonverbal behaviors that individuals in close relationships employ to convey messages of love, fondness, appreciation, and commitment to each other. Like other interpersonal behaviors, affectionate communication has biological and physiological antecedents, consequences, and correlates, many of which influence physical health and well-being. This chapter details research on the genetic and neurological substrates of affectionate behavior and on the associations of affectionate communication with stress buffering, regulation, and recovery; immunocompetence; and relaxation and rest. The chapter concludes by reviewing the small but growing evidence for the health detriments of affection deprivation.