Predicting Participation in “Friends with Benefits” Relationships

• In Event: 587 - Regular Session. Sociology of Sexuality: Young Adult Sexualities

Abstract

Casual sexual interactions and relationships have long been common on college campuses, with one type now referred to as “friends with benefits.” Social learning theory (Bandura 1977) provides a framework for this study on friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs). Our model to predict participation in FWBRs includes social-structural, campus environment and individual factors. Survey data collected in 2006 and 2011 from a total of 1,011 students at a small private liberal arts college and a medium-size public university reveal that FWBRs have become more common over time. Regression analyses suggest that FWBRs vary by gender, race, alcohol consumption, perceptions of the FWBRs of close friends, and certain attitudes toward relationships and hooking up, but not by type of school, Greek affiliation, religion, perceptions of campus norms, and certain other attitudes toward relationships and hooking up.

Authors

• Kristi L. Hoffman, Roanoke College

• Marit Berntson, Roanoke College