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Chapter 6 - Physiological correlates associated with interpersonal emotion dynamics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2018

Ashley K. Randall
Affiliation:
Arizona State University
Dominik Schoebi
Affiliation:
Université de Fribourg, Switzerland
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Summary

This chapter describes how interpersonal emotion dynamics get “under the skin” and are reflected by the body’s physiology. Research on the physiological correlates of close relationship functioning have often focused on the stress hormone cortisol –, which is the end product of the HPA axis,; heart rate and skin conductance –, which reflect the autonomic nervous system,; and the hormones oxytocin and testosterone. We introduce each physiological marker and discuss research on (1) how it is affected by a close relationship context, and (2) whether there is evidence of within-dyad linkage. We conclude by summarizing future directions, unanswered questions, and recommendations for further research.
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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