TY - JOUR
T1 - Affectionate Communication Can Suppress Immunity
T2 - Trait Affection Predicts Antibodies to Latent Epstein-Barr Virus
AU - Floyd, Kory
AU - Hesse, Colin
AU - Boren, Justin P.
AU - Veksler, Alice E.
N1 - Funding Information:
This research was supported by Grant R03 MH075757-01A1 to the senior author from the National Institute of Mental Health.
PY - 2014/1
Y1 - 2014/1
N2 - The communication of affection in close relationships has been linked empirically to multiple physical and mental health benefits that are attributable largely to its stress-alleviating effects. Because affectionate communication frequently involves tactile contact of an intimate nature, however, it may also elevate vulnerability to opportunistic illness and infection, increasing the chances for immune system suppression. Using a sample of 52 healthy adults in cohabiting romantic relationships who were seropositive for latent human herpesvirus-4 (also known as the Epstein-Barr virus), the present study documented that self-reported trait expressed affection predicts antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen complex, indicating viral replication and suppressed cell-mediated immunity.
AB - The communication of affection in close relationships has been linked empirically to multiple physical and mental health benefits that are attributable largely to its stress-alleviating effects. Because affectionate communication frequently involves tactile contact of an intimate nature, however, it may also elevate vulnerability to opportunistic illness and infection, increasing the chances for immune system suppression. Using a sample of 52 healthy adults in cohabiting romantic relationships who were seropositive for latent human herpesvirus-4 (also known as the Epstein-Barr virus), the present study documented that self-reported trait expressed affection predicts antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen complex, indicating viral replication and suppressed cell-mediated immunity.
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U2 - 10.1080/1041794X.2013.858178
DO - 10.1080/1041794X.2013.858178
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84897762113
SN - 1041-794X
VL - 79
SP - 2
EP - 13
JO - Southern Communication Journal
JF - Southern Communication Journal
IS - 1
ER -