Description
Sexual interaction has permeated the boundaries of platonic friendships. Friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs) depict a casual sexual relationship where friends engage in sexual behavior without the intent of romantic commitment. Research has found that these relationships, while existing at all ages, are most common among the emerging adult population (18-23) as individuals experiment with different relationships and sexual interactions. As seen in all relationships, moments of transition, or turbulence, may occur where one or both partners develop(s) romantic interest in the non-romantically defined relationship. This quantitative study explores how individuals navigate these turbulent moments of romantic development. Furthermore, this study examines the types of uncertainty experienced within these relationships and the strategies that individuals engage to reduce uncertainty within their relationship. The present study expanded the current literature on FWBRs. First, in terms of uncertainty, this study revealed that transition-type FWBRs experience significantly less uncertainty and greater partner interference as compared to the other FWBR types. However, no difference was revealed among FWBR type and the amount of relational turbulence experienced or the type of uncertainty reduction strategies utilized to progress the relationship. Furthermore, the study confirmed that romantic interest is a significant predictor for all three uncertainty types (partner, self, and relational), relational turbulence, and self-disclosure. Additionally, the study revealed romantic interest serves as a significant moderator of the relationship between FWBR type and two types of uncertainty: partner and self uncertainty. A second key expansion of the literature pertaining to FWBRs relates to the analysis of the relational characteristics of specific FWBR categories. For example, the study established that of the seven FWBRs, just sex experience the greatest uncertainty and least self-disclosure, whereas successful transition in experience the least uncertainty and the greatest self-disclosure alongside true friends. Additionally, in terms of relational turbulence, transition out and unsuccessful transition in experience the greatest relational turbulence, whereas true friends and network opportunism experience the least. Results of the study offer opportunity for future exploration and unraveling of these complex relationships. Keywords: friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs), relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, uncertainty reduction strategies, self-disclosure
