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Social Exchange Theory02:06

Social Exchange Theory

We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
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Published on: March 2, 2011

Negotiating a friends with benefits relationship.

Melissa A Bisson1, Timothy R Levine

  • 1Department of Communication, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.

Archives of Sexual Behavior
|September 14, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Friends with benefits (FWB) relationships are common, with 60% of surveyed individuals having experienced them. These relationships offer comfort and trust without romantic commitment, but often lack explicit negotiation, leading to potential complications.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Relationship Studies

Background:

  • Friends with benefits (FWB) relationships involve individuals who are friends and engage in sexual activity.
  • These relationships are increasingly common in contemporary society.
  • Understanding the dynamics and challenges of FWB relationships is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of friends with benefits relationships.
  • To explore the motivations behind engaging in FWB relationships.
  • To assess the relational negotiation strategies employed within FWB relationships.

Main Methods:

  • Study 1 surveyed 125 individuals to determine the prevalence and reasons for FWB relationships.
  • Study 2 assessed relational negotiation strategies in 90 participants involved in FWB relationships.

Main Results:

  • 60% of surveyed individuals reported having been in an FWB relationship.
  • Participants cited trust and comfort while avoiding romantic commitment as reasons for engaging in FWB.
  • Individuals in FWB relationships commonly avoided explicit negotiation.

Conclusions:

  • FWB relationships are prevalent and attractive due to their blend of friendship benefits and casual sex.
  • The avoidance of explicit negotiation in FWB relationships, while appealing, can also be a source of complications.
  • The findings highlight the complex nature of maintaining friendships with sexual intimacy.