Navigating Difficult Times with Pillow Talk: Post Sex Communication as a Strategy for Mitigating Uncertainty Following Relational Transgressions

Exploring the Benefits of Affectionate Communication: Implications for Interpersonal Acceptance–Rejection Theory

“…This finding may be a product of the perceptions of the highly affectionate, but it may also suggest that giving affection promotes receiving affection, which may ultimately contribute to relational longevity. Indeed, affectionate communication in the context of sexual activity (e.g., postsex communication, or “pillow talk”; Denes, , ) has been linked to relational maintenance (Denes, Dhillon, & Speer, ) and has been used as a tool for repairing relationships following transgressions (Denes, Crowley, Makos, Whitt, & Graham, in press). Taken together, such findings suggest that individuals may give affection in an effort to promote well‐being in their relationships, even when the relationship is not doing well.…”

A systematic review of relationship maintenance: Reflecting back and looking to the future

“…Research often examines the Stafford and Canary maintenance factors as noted above. However, imagined interactions (Van Kelegom & Wright, 2013), relational continuity construction units (Ellis & Ledbetter, 2015) and pillow talk (Denes et al, 2018) have been examined. Maintenance behaviors have also been proposed as a means of managing uncertainty (Denes et al, 2018).…”

“…However, imagined interactions (Van Kelegom & Wright, 2013), relational continuity construction units (Ellis & Ledbetter, 2015) and pillow talk (Denes et al, 2018) have been examined. Maintenance behaviors have also been proposed as a means of managing uncertainty (Denes et al, 2018). Regardless of direction, findings indicate negative links between uncertainty and positive maintenance behaviors (e.g., assurances) and positive links between uncertainty and negative maintenance (jealousy evocation).…”