Affectionate communication consent
Professional cuddlers coordinate platonic touch
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2936868 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Joseph E Honeycutt (0009-0009-7204-0937, The University of Alabama, USA, corresponding author), Leah Lefebvre (0000-0002-7307-2895, The University of Alabama, USA) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 3249-3271 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-19 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/02654075251364563 |
| OpenAlex | W4413346210 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 47 |
This study investigates how professional cuddlers develop consensual affectionate exchanges, emphasizing the role of consent in platonic interactions, and how they navigate the violation of consent or expectations. Participants ( N = 15) included cuddle practitioners represented from several countries and ranging from 10 months to 10 years of experience. We applied a phronetic-iterative approach to derive themes surrounding (non)reciprocity and relational boundary violations. The process of managing (non)reciprocity unfolds through three key themes: s etting expectations , inquiring , and deconstructing " no ." These themes situate the interpersonal communication exchange necessary to establish reciprocity between the practitioner and client to establish the appropriateness of their interaction and relationship. Affection exchange comes with risk. As a result, violations delineated progress from innocuous to severe. Four themes delineate the breach of relational boundaries: disquietude, overstimulation, transference, and severe breaches. This study highlights an emergent industry working to service the absence of interpersonal affection. The implications offer fertile ground for examining affection and consent, while also enhancing Affection Exchange Theory's understanding of nonreciprocity and misinterpretation in platonic interactions
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |