"Touching On" Positive and Negative Affect

Abstract

The current study investigates relations among touch, positive affect, negative affect and attachment style in romantically involved individuals. Touch is known to strengthen relationships in primates and is a key factor in mother-child bonds. Human touch has also shown regulatory effects in stressful situations. It is hypothesized that a combination of touch factors, including duration and location, will decrease negative affect and increase positive affect in romantically involved females. It is predicted that male and female’s individual attachment styles and relationship quality will mediate this effect. One hundred and fifty-two participants, or 76 couples, were studied during a 5-minute segment where the couple discussed a topic of contention in their relationship. The duration and location of touch were coded independently for both the male and the female. The affect measure coded by SPAFF was also coded independently for each partner. Initial results have revealed differences within and between couples.