Parents’ and children’s affectionate communication and risky driving behaviors: a dyadic investigation

ABSTRACT This dyadic study of middle-aged parents and young adult children tested if perceptions of receiving affectionate communication were associated with tendencies to (a) exceed the speed limit when driving and (b) drive after consuming alcohol. Among other findings, children’s perceptions of receiving verbal affection, nonverbal affection, and social support from their parent were negatively associated with children’s tendency to drive after consuming one or two alcoholic drinks. Applying affection exchange theory to explain engagement in risky behaviors may comprise a nascent area of the theory’s development. Future researchers can consider if the type of relational partner whose perspective is being considered (e.g. a parent versus a child) bears implications for the extent to which affectionate communication is associated with risky behaviors.