engleski

Friends With benefits: Are They Really Beneficial?

Introduction & objectives: A friend with benefits relationship (FWBR) represents what is commonly described as friends engaging in sexual activities without defining this as a committed romantic relationship. The majority of research findings come from American and Canadian studies, especially since in western culture this kind of casual sexual relations is considered normative and engraved in pop culture, and the main goal of this study was to examine the characteristics of FWBRs among Croatian students. Population sample: 400 students from several universities participated in this research. 65% of them were female students, and 35 % were male students with average age of 22. Method: Participants were asked to fill up an online questionnaire about characteristics of FWBRs. Questions about FWBRs were derived from previous studies and from preliminary research. Results: In general, results showed no gender differences in FWBRs experience, but more male students who have not had this kind of relationships wished they would in the future. Sex was the major motive for male students to engage in FWBRs, while for female students it was the possibility of developing committed romantic relationship. Main reason for female students to end FWBRs was developing romantic emotions. More male students expected that after ending FWBRs the friendship would remain intact. Major benefit for male and female students was casual sex with no commitment, but major disadvantages were developing romantic emotions, breakup of friendship and developing negative emotions. Conclusion & recommendations: It seems that some number of Croatian students has the experience of FWBRs and that both male and female students have been participating in such uncommitted sexual activities which have some benefits but also disadvantages. Follow up studies of FWBRs will depict more in depth characteristics of this type of uncommitted sexual relationships.

friends with benefits, casual sex, gender differences

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