Couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality in Chinese couples

Bibliographic Data

ID12524809
AuthorsZiyuan Chen (0000-0002-4114-6642, Institute of Developmental Psychology Beijing Normal University Beijing China), Wei Tong (0000-0003-3531-8695, Department of Psychology Shanghai Normal University Shanghai China), Qingyin Li (0000-0001-6529-3121, Institute of Developmental Psychology Beijing Normal University Beijing China), Qiong He (0000-0002-4753-4830, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital Capital Medical University Beijing China), Shanshan Ma (0009-0007-4797-1428, Department of Psychology University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA), Shan‐Shan Ma (0000-0002-8641-6095, University of Arizona), Xiaoyi Fang (0000-0002-9494-0997, Institute of Developmental Psychology Beijing Normal University Beijing China, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume31
Issue4
Pages926-945
Publication date2024-10-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePersonal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1350-4126 • E-ISSN: 1475-6811
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/pere.12574
OpenAlexW4403376337
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited63

Affection plays a crucial role in romantic relationships, as individuals exchange affection with each other to build and maintain relationships. This study applied affection exchange theory (AET) to examine affection exchange patterns within marital dyads, employing couple‐centered approaches. The aim was to identify different types of couple affection exchange profiles based on both partners' affection given and received. The sample consisted of 668 Chinese heterosexual couples. Additionally, this study explored the association between couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality. Through latent profile analysis, three distinct profiles were identified: reserved (47.1%), invisible (10.5%), and highly affectionate (42.4%). Further between‐profile comparisons regarding marital quality indicated that couples in the highly affectionate profile report the most satisfying marriages, whereas the invisible profile represents the least desirable outcome. The findings highlight the diverse nature of couple affection exchange and offer valuable insights for couple therapy interventions focused on affection

Affection · Developmental psychology · Physics · Quality (philosophy · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology

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