Editing Affection (section)

==Expression==
{{Further|Public display of affection}}
Affection can be communicated by looks, words, gestures, or touches. It conveys love and [[social connection]]. The five [[love languages]] explains how couples can communicate affections to each other.<ref>{{Cite web |last=David O. |first=Oduse |title=Understanding The Five Love Languages And How It Affects Your Relationships |url=https://www.datingreporter.com.ng/2021/02/understanding-the-five-love-languages.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410135822/https://www.datingreporter.com.ng/2021/02/understanding-the-five-love-languages.html |archive-date=2021-04-10 |access-date=2021-02-27 |website=Dating Reporter's Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> Affectionate behavior may have evolved from parental nurturing behavior due to its associations with hormonal rewards.<ref>{{cite book | first1=Kory | last1=Floyd | first2=Colin | last2=Hesse | first3=Generous | last3=Mark A. | chapter=Affection exchange theory: A bio-evolutionary look at affectionate communication | editor-last=Braithwaite | editor-first=Dawn | title=Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: multiple perspectives | edition=3rd | publisher=Routledge | publication-place=New York, NY | year=2021 | isbn=978-1-003-19551-1 | oclc=1248603023 | page=}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=March 2022|reason=The chapter may not be correctly summarised here.}} Such affection has been shown to influence brain development in infants, especially their biochemical systems and prefrontal development.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gerhardt |first=Sue |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uDCDBAAAQBAJ |title=Why love matters : how affection shapes a baby's brain |date=24 October 2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-63579-6 |oclc=883460873}}</ref>

Affectionate gestures can become undesirable if they insinuate potential harm to one's welfare. However, when welcomed, such behavior can offer several health benefits.{{clarify|reason=to whom?|date=August 2023}} Some theories suggest that positive sentiments enhance individuals' inclination to engage socially, and the sense of closeness fostered by affection contributes to nurturing positive sentiments among them.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lawton |first1=Leora |last2=Silverstein |first2=Merril |last3=Bengtson |first3=Vern |date=Feb 1994 |title=Affection, Social Contact, and Geographic Distance between Adult Children and Their Parents |url=http://www.techsociety.com/articles/JMF_Lawtonetal.pdf |url-status=dead|journal=Journal of Marriage and the Family |volume=56 |pages=57–68 |doi=10.2307/352701 |jstor=352701 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316162825/http://www.techsociety.com/articles/JMF_Lawtonetal.pdf |archive-date=2012-03-16 |number=1}}</ref>

===Benefits of affection===
Affection exchange is an adaptive human behavior that benefits well-being. Expressing affection brings emotional, physical, and relational gains for people and their close connections. Sharing positive emotions yields health advantages like reduced stress hormones, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.<ref>{{cite web |author=Boudreau |first=Diane |date=February 8, 2013 |title=Study: Expressing love can improve your health |url=https://asunow.asu.edu/content/study-expressing-love-can-improve-your-health |website=ASU News}}</ref> Expressing affection, not merely feeling affection, is internally rewarding. Even if not reciprocated, givers still experience its effects.

===Parental relationships===
Affectionate [[behavior]] is frequently considered{{By whom|date=July 2023}} an outcome of parental nurturing, tied to hormonal rewards. Both positive and negative parental actions may {{Vague|text=have connections to|date=August 2023}} health issues in later life. Neglect and abuse result in poorer well-being and mental health, contrasting with affection's positive effects. A 2013 study highlighted the impact of early child abuse and lack of affection on physical health.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivero |first=Enrique |date=September 30, 2013 |title=Lack of parental warmth, abuse in childhood linked to multiple health risks in adulthood |url=https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/lack-of-parental-warmth-abuse-248580 |website=UCLA Newsroom}}</ref>