Affection

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Two children showing affection Affection LCCN2003670229.tif
Two children showing affection

Affection or fondness is a "disposition or state of mind or body" [1] commonly linked to a feeling or type of love. It has led to multiple branches in philosophy and psychology that discuss emotion, disease, influence, and state of being. [2] Often, "affection" denotes more than mere goodwill or friendship. Writers on ethics generally use the word to refer to distinct states of feeling, both lasting and temporary. Some contrast it with passion as being free from the distinctively sensual element. [3]

Contents

Affection can elicit diverse emotional reactions such as embarrassment, disgust, pleasure, and annoyance. The emotional and physical effect of affection also varies between the giver and the receiver. [4]

Restricted definition

A young girl kisses a baby on the cheek. Smooches (baby and child kiss).jpg
A young girl kisses a baby on the cheek.

Sometimes the term is restricted to emotional states directed towards living entities, including humans and animals. Affection is often compared with passion, [5] stemming from the Greek word pathos . Consequently, references to affection are found in the works of philosophers such as René Descartes, [6] Baruch Spinoza, [7] and early British ethicists. Despite these associations, it's commonly differentiated from passion on various grounds. Some definitions of affection exclude feelings of anxiety or heightened excitement, elements typically linked to passion. In this narrower context, the term holds significance in ethical frameworks, particularly concerning social or parental affections, forming a facet of moral duties [3] and virtue. Ethical perspectives may hinge on whether affection is perceived as voluntary. [8]

Expression

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. [9] Affectionate behavior may have evolved from parental nurturing behavior due to its associations with hormonal rewards. [10] [ verification needed ] Such affection has been shown to influence brain development in infants, especially their biochemical systems and prefrontal development. [11]

Affectionate gestures can become undesirable if they insinuate potential harm to one's welfare. However, when welcomed, such behavior can offer several health benefits.[ clarification needed ] 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. [12]

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. [13] 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? ] an outcome of parental nurturing, tied to hormonal rewards. Both positive and negative parental actions may have connections to[ vague ] 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. [14]

Affectionism

Affectionism is a school of thought that considers affections to be of central importance. Although it is not found in mainstream Western philosophy, it does exist in Indian philosophy. [15]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Affection". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  2. ↑ "Francis Hutcheson on the Emotions". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 17th and 18th Century Theories of Emotions. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  3. 1 2 Wikisource-logo.svg One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain :  Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Affection". Encyclopædia Britannica . Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 299–300.
  4. ↑ "The Effects of Affection". Research Matters. Retrieved 2015-08-30.
  5. ↑ Fernández, Damián J. (1 January 2010). Cuba and the Politics of Passion. University of Texas Press. ISBN   9780292782020 . Retrieved 19 November 2017– via Google Books.
  6. ↑ Descartes, René. "The Passions of the Soul" (PDF). Early Modern Philosophy. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  7. ↑ LeBuffe, Michael (19 November 2017). "Spinoza's Psychological Theory". In Zalta, Edward N. (ed.). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  8. ↑ Sidgwick, Henry. "The Methods of Ethics" (PDF). Early Modern Philosophy. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  9. ↑ David O., Oduse. "Understanding The Five Love Languages And How It Affects Your Relationships". Dating Reporter's Blog. Archived from the original on 2021-04-10. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  10. ↑ Floyd, Kory; Hesse, Colin; Mark A., Generous (2021). "Affection exchange theory: A bio-evolutionary look at affectionate communication". In Braithwaite, Dawn (ed.). Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: multiple perspectives (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-003-19551-1. OCLC   1248603023.
  11. ↑ Gerhardt, Sue (24 October 2014). Why love matters : how affection shapes a baby's brain. Routledge. ISBN   978-1-317-63579-6. OCLC   883460873.
  12. ↑ Lawton, Leora; Silverstein, Merril; Bengtson, Vern (Feb 1994). "Affection, Social Contact, and Geographic Distance between Adult Children and Their Parents" (PDF). Journal of Marriage and the Family. 56 (1): 57–68. doi:10.2307/352701. JSTOR   352701. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-16.
  13. ↑ Boudreau, Diane (February 8, 2013). "Study: Expressing love can improve your health". ASU News.
  14. ↑ Rivero, Enrique (September 30, 2013). "Lack of parental warmth, abuse in childhood linked to multiple health risks in adulthood". UCLA Newsroom.
  15. ↑ Merrell-Wolff, Franklin (1995). Transformations in Consciousness: The Metaphysics and Epistemology: Containing His Introceptualism . State University of New York Press. p. 45. ISBN   0-7914-2675-0.
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