Compensatory Effects of Affectionate Communication in Marriages with Infrequent Sexual Activity
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Comment: This study offers evidence of affectionate communication’s role in sustaining sexual and relationship satisfaction, particularly in the context of infrequent sexual activity. … ‘Affectionate communication’ refers to verbal and nonverbal messages that convey fondness and love. Affectionate communication is pivotal in forging and strengthening human pair bonds. … The behaviors tested comprised verbal expression (saying “I love you,” giving compliments, and praising accomplishments) and nonverbal expression (kissing on the cheek or lips, holding hands, and giving hugs).

Arch Sex Behav

Jeong Eun Cheon, Young-Hoon Kim, 2026 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s10508-025-03340-x

Abstract

Affection exchange theory posits that affectionate communication is crucial in fostering relational bonds and facilitating procreation. Building on this theory, this study examined whether affectionate communication is positively related to sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, considering that affectionate communication partially satisfies the need for sexual intimacy among couples, this study investigated whether affectionate exchanges compensated for infrequent sexual activity. Specifically, it assessed whether affectionate communication’s frequency moderated the association between sexual frequency and sexual and marital satisfaction, such that couples engaging in frequent affectionate communication exhibit less reduction in well-being when sexual activity is infrequent. These hypotheses were tested by collecting data from 700 married individuals in South Korea. The findings revealed that affectionate communication mitigated the negative association between infrequent sexual activity and sexual and marital satisfaction. Notably, receiving affection from one’s partner and expressing affection toward one’s partner attenuated the association between sexual frequency and satisfaction levels. These findings underscore affectionate communication’s importance in maintaining sexual and marital satisfaction, particularly in relationships characterized by lower sexual frequency.