# Affection

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Feeling or type of love

For other uses, see [Affection (disambiguation)](/source/Affection_(disambiguation)).

Two children showing affection

Part of a series on Emotions Affect Alexithymia Classification In animals Emotional intelligence Mood Self-regulation Interpersonal Dysregulation Valence Emotions Acceptance Admiration Affection Amusement Anger Angst Anguish Annoyance Anticipation Anxiety Apathy Arousal Awe Belongingness Boredom Confidence Confusion Contempt Contentment Courage Curiosity Depression Desire Determination Disappointment Disgust Distrust Doubt Dysphoria Ecstasy Elevation Embarrassment Emotional detachment Empathy Enthusiasm Envy Euphoria Faith Fear Frustration Gratification Gratitude Greed Grief Guilt Happiness Hatred Hope Horror Hostility Hubris Humiliation Interest Jealousy Joy Kindness Limerence Loneliness Love Lust Nostalgia Outrage Panic Passion Pity Pleasure Pride Rage Regret Rejection Relief Remorse Resentment Sadness Saudade Schadenfreude Self-pity Shame Shock Shyness Social connection Sorrow Suffering Surprise Suspicion Trust Wonder Worry v t e

Part of a series on Love Red heart icon Types of love Affection Being in love Bonding Broken heart Compassionate love Conjugal love Courtly love courtship troubadours Falling in love Friendship cross-sex romantic zone Infatuation Interpersonal relationship Intimacy Limerence Love addiction Love at first sight Love triangle Lovesickness Lovestruck Obsessive love Parental love Passion Passionate and companionate love Platonic love Puppy love Queerplatonic relationship Romance Self-love Amour de soi Unconditional love Unrequited love Social views Anarchist Free love Patriotism Chinese Ren Yuanfen French Amour-propre Greek words for love Agape Eros Ludus Mania Philautia Philia Pistis Pragma Storgḗ Xenia Indian Kama Bhakti Maitrī Islamic Ishq Jewish Chesed Latin Amor Caritas Portuguese Saudade Yaghan Mamihlapinatapai Concepts Bhakti yoga Biology of romantic love Interpersonal attraction Love letter Love of Christ Love of God in Christianity Love magic Valentine's Day Philosophy Religious views love deities Physical attractiveness Theories of love Color wheel theory of love Reward theory of attraction Triangular theory of love v t e

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

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][5]

## Restricted definition

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.](/source/Animal) Affection is often compared with passion,[6] stemming from the Greek word *[pathos](/source/Pathos)*. Consequently, references to affection are found in the works of philosophers such as [René Descartes](/source/Ren%C3%A9_Descartes),[7] [Baruch Spinoza](/source/Baruch_Spinoza),[8] and early British ethicists. Despite these associations, it is 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.[9]

## Expression

Further information: [Public display of affection](/source/Public_display_of_affection)

Affection can be communicated by looks, words, gestures, or touches. It conveys love and [social connection](/source/Social_connection). The five [love languages](/source/Love_languages) explains how couples can communicate affections to each other.[10] Affectionate behavior may have evolved from parental nurturing behavior due to its associations with hormonal rewards.[11][*[verification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*] Such affection has been shown to influence brain development in infants, especially their biochemical systems and prefrontal development.[12]

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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] 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.[13]

### 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.[14] Expressing affection, not merely feeling affection, is internally rewarding. Even if not reciprocated, givers still experience its effects.

### Parental relationships

Affectionate [behavior](/source/Behavior) is frequently considered[*[by whom?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions)*] an outcome of parental nurturing, tied to hormonal rewards. Both positive and negative parental actions may have connections to[*[vague](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Vagueness)*] 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.[15]

## Affectionism

Affectionism is a [school of thought](/source/School_of_thought) that considers affections to be of central importance. Although it is not found in mainstream [Western philosophy](/source/Western_philosophy), it does exist in [Indian philosophy](/source/Indian_philosophy).[16]

## See also

- [Affectional bond](/source/Affectional_bond) – Attachment behavior one person has for another

- [Affectional orientation](/source/Affectional_orientation) – Classification of a person's romantic attraction towards othersPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Affective filter](/source/Affective_filter) – Hypotheses of second-language acquisitionPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Affective videogames](/source/Affective_videogames) – Emotion modeling in AIPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Attraction](/source/Attraction_(emotion)) – Study of the attraction between people that leads to friendship or romancePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Crush](/source/Crush_(emotion)) – Feelings of romantic love felt by young peoplePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Doctrine of the affections](/source/Doctrine_of_the_affections) – Theory in the aesthetics of painting, music, and theatre, widely used in the Baroque era

- [Emotion](/source/Emotion) – Conscious subjective experience

- [The Four Loves](/source/The_Four_Loves) – 1960 book by C. S. Lewis

- [Hug](/source/Hug) – Form of endearment

- [Infatuation](/source/Infatuation) – Intense but shallow attraction

- [List of emotions](/source/Contrasting_and_categorization_of_emotions) – Contrast of one emotion from anotherPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

- [Social connection](/source/Social_connection) – Term in psychology referring to the experience of feeling close and connected to others

- [Terms of endearment](/source/Terms_of_endearment) – Phrase expressing affectionPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Affection"](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/affection). *Dictionary.com*. Retrieved 19 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Francis Hutcheson on the Emotions"](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/emotions-17th18th/LD7Hutcheson.html). *Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy*. 17th and 18th Century Theories of Emotions. Retrieved 19 November 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EB1911_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EB1911_3-1) One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the [public domain](/source/Public_domain): [Chisholm, Hugh](/source/Hugh_Chisholm), ed. (1911). "[Affection](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Affection)". *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition)*. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 299–300.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The Effects of Affection"](https://researchmatters.asu.edu/stories/effects-affection-960). *Research Matters*. Retrieved 2015-08-30.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["The effects of affection"](https://news.asu.edu/content/effects-affection). *ASU News*. February 14, 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Fernández, Damián J. (1 January 2010). [*Cuba and the Politics of Passion*](https://books.google.com/books?id=94G2AgAAQBAJ&q=affection+vs+passion&pg=PA1). University of Texas Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780292782020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780292782020). Retrieved 19 November 2017 – via Google Books.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Descartes, René. ["The Passions of the Soul"](https://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/descartes1649part2.pdf) (PDF). *Early Modern Philosophy*. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/descartes1649part2.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 19 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** LeBuffe, Michael (19 November 2017). ["Spinoza's Psychological Theory"](https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2015/entries/spinoza-psychological/). In Zalta, Edward N. (ed.). *The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy*. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved 19 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sidgwick, Henry. ["The Methods of Ethics"](http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/sidgwick1874book4.pdf) (PDF). *Early Modern Philosophy*. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/sidgwick1874book4.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 19 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** David O., Oduse. ["Understanding The Five Love Languages And How It Affects Your Relationships"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210410135822/https://www.datingreporter.com.ng/2021/02/understanding-the-five-love-languages.html). *Dating Reporter's Blog*. Archived from [the original](https://www.datingreporter.com.ng/2021/02/understanding-the-five-love-languages.html) on 2021-04-10. Retrieved 2021-02-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** 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](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-003-19551-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-003-19551-1). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1248603023](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1248603023).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Gerhardt, Sue (24 October 2014). [*Why love matters : how affection shapes a baby's brain*](https://books.google.com/books?id=uDCDBAAAQBAJ). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-317-63579-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-317-63579-6). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [883460873](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/883460873).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Lawton, Leora; Silverstein, Merril; Bengtson, Vern (Feb 1994). ["Affection, Social Contact, and Geographic Distance between Adult Children and Their Parents"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120316162825/http://www.techsociety.com/articles/JMF_Lawtonetal.pdf) (PDF). *Journal of Marriage and the Family*. **56** (1): 57–68. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/352701](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F352701). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [352701](https://www.jstor.org/stable/352701). Archived from [the original](http://www.techsociety.com/articles/JMF_Lawtonetal.pdf) (PDF) on 2012-03-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Boudreau, Diane (February 8, 2013). ["Study: Expressing love can improve your health"](https://asunow.asu.edu/content/study-expressing-love-can-improve-your-health). *ASU News*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Rivero, Enrique (September 30, 2013). ["Lack of parental warmth, abuse in childhood linked to multiple health risks in adulthood"](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/lack-of-parental-warmth-abuse-248580). *UCLA Newsroom*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [Merrell-Wolff, Franklin](/source/Franklin_Merrell-Wolff) (1995). [*Transformations in Consciousness: The Metaphysics and Epistemology: Containing His Introceptualism*](https://archive.org/details/transformationsi00merr). [State University of New York Press](/source/State_University_of_New_York_Press). p. 45. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7914-2675-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7914-2675-0).

## External links

- Quotations related to [Affection](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Affection) at Wikiquote

v t e Emotions (list) Emotions Acceptance Admiration Adoration Aesthetic Affection Agitation Agony Amusement Anger Angst Anguish Annoyance Anticipation Antipathy Anxiety Apathy Arousal Attraction Awe Belongingness Boredom Calmness Comfort Compassion Confidence Confusion Contempt Contentment Courage Cruelty Curiosity Defeat Depression Desire Disappointment Disgust Distrust Doubt Dysphoria Ecstasy Embarrassment vicarious Emotion work Empathy Emptiness Enthrallment Enthusiasm Envy Euphoria Excitement Faith Fear Flow Frustration Fun Gratification Gratitude Greed Grief Guilt Happiness Joie de vivre Hatred self-hatred Hiraeth Homesickness Hope Horror Hostility Humiliation Hygge Hysteria Ikigai (sense of purpose) Indulgence Infatuation Insecurity Insignificance Inspiration Interest Irritation Isolation Jealousy Joy Kindness Loneliness Love at first sight limerence obsessive parental passionate and companionate Lust Mono no aware Neglect Nostalgia Outrage Panic Passion Pity self-pity Pleasure Pride grandiosity hubris insult vanity Rage Regret Rejection Relaxation Relief Remorse Resentment Revenge Sadness melancholy Saudade Schadenfreude Sehnsucht Sentimentality Shame Shock Shyness Solitude Social connection Sorrow Spite Stress chronic Suffering Surprise Suspense Suspicion Sympathy Trust Wonder sense of wonder Worry Zest Worldviews Cynicism Defeatism Fatalism Misanthropy Nihilism Optimism Pessimism Reclusion Weltschmerz Related Affect consciousness in education measures in psychology Affective computing forecasting neuroscience science spectrum Affectivity positive negative Appeal to emotion Amygdala hijack Emotion and art and memory and music and sex and sleep classification circumplex EmojiGrid Lövheim PAD Plutchik evolution expressed functional accounts group homeostatic in animals perception recognition in conversation regulation interpersonal work Emotional aperture bias blackmail competence conflict contagion detachment dysregulation eating exhaustion expression and gender intelligence and bullying Empathy quotient intimacy isolation lability labor lateralization literacy prosody reasoning responsivity security symbiosis thought method well-being Emotionality bounded Emotions and culture history in decision-making in the workplace in virtual communication moral self-conscious social social sharing sociology Vocabulary of emotions Feeling Group affective tone Interactions between the emotional and executive brain systems Jealousy in art Mental state Meta-emotion Pathognomy Pathos Social emotional development Stoic passions Theory affect affect as information appraisal Cannon–Bard constructed emotion discrete emotion Emotion regime James–Lange somatic somatic marker two-factor Italics indicate emotion names in foreign languages Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Affection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affection) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affection?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.