Identifying and Explicating Variation among Friends with Benefits Relationships

Abstract

This two-study report identifies and validates a typology containing seven types of “friends with benefits relationships” (FWBRs). Study 1 asked heterosexual students to define the term FWBR and to describe their experience with the relationship type. Qualitative analysis of these data identified seven types of FWBRs (true friends, network opportunism, just sex, three types of transition in [successful, failed, and unintentional], and transition out). Study 2 quantitatively differentiates these relationship types in the amount of nonsexual interaction, strength of the friendship at the first sexual interaction, and history of romantic relationships with the FWBR partner (before the FWBR, after it, or both). Results from both studies clearly suggest that FWBRs represent a diverse set of relationship formulations where both the benefits (i.e., repeated sexual contact) and the friends (i.e., relationship between partners) vary widely. In many cases, FWBRs represent a desire for, or an attempt at, shifting the relationship from friends to a romantic partnership. Other implications are discussed, as are limitations and directions for future research. The diverse nature of FWBRs provides challenges for researchers that likely require multiple methods and theoretical frames.

Acknowledgments

Study 1 data were presented to the National Communication Association meeting in Chicago, IL (November 2007), and Study 2 data were presented at the National Communication Association meeting in San Diego, CA (November 2008). We thank Artemio Ramirez for his help in Study 1 data collection, as well as Jason Peterson and Merideth Bruck for their help in the Study 1 data analysis.

Notes

Note. Within columns, means lacking a common subscript differed significantly (p < .05). FWBR = friends with benefits relationships.

Note. Within-row percentages are in brackets. FWBR = friends with benefits relationships.

Note. Within-column percentages are in brackets. FWBR = friends with benefits relationships.