Human affection exchange: XIV. Relational affection predicts resting heart rate and free cortisol secretion during acute stress

Participants in the present study reported the amount of affectionate communication characterizing the personal relationship they currently identified as their most affectionate relationship. The authors subsequently measured their resting heart rate and baseline salivary cortisol, and then exposed participants to a series of standard laboratory stressors. The authors monitored changes in the participants' heart rates and cortisol levels during exposure to the stressors. Results indicated that levels of verbal and supportive affectionate communication in the primary relationship were inversely associated with resting heart rate and with the magnitude of free cortisol increase in response to the acute stressors. The authors discuss implications for the association between relational communication and health.