Study finds hook ups that turn to relationships are just as happy as traditional relationships
Hookups can grow beyond the bedroom into quality relationships, according to a new study.
University of Iowa sociologist Anthony Paik’s research, based on a survey of 642 heterosexual adults, shows newly formed couples who started having sex as friends or acquaintances are equally as happy as couples who wait to have sex.
Sexual promiscuity and freedom are more prevalent in today’s generation of college students, according to the Pew Research Center. In comparison with 20 years ago, 75 percent believe today’s college students have more casual sex. Another study by the University of Iowa found one in three adults are not in exclusive relationships. One in 10 men and women said both they and their partner had slept with other people.
Paik said he believed his findings depended on the type of people who hook up or enter into casual-dating or friends-with-benefits scenarios. Those people typically find relationships unrewarding and, therefore, are more likely to form unattached hookups.
‘You can go to a bar, and it is possible a hookup partner you meet there could be a long-term relationship,’ Paik said. ‘But most people go to the bar looking for something short term.’
But in the cases when a casual night turns into a full-blown relationship, Paik’s research showed these couples are just as happy as those who come from traditional dating.
Still, Paik said he would not recommend hooking up in an attempt to form a serious relationship.
‘Hookups are not necessarily leading to bad relationships, but often do,’ he said. ‘Hookups provide a way that people can form relationships in the short term, but for building long-term relationships, hookups are not the best. People can create true love and serious relationships, it’s just unlikely.’
Joseph Fanelli, a Syracuse University human sexuality professor, said he agreed there is a chance for couples who start hooking up to develop more serious relationships.
‘I do, but I certainly think the chances are much more minimal,’ he said. ‘Maybe in the process, you want to learn more about them. If I meet someone and they seem interesting, and I’m not just out to get a piece, and I like her, then casual sex could develop. It seems like common sense.’
Fanelli said the potential failure of having a friend-with-benefits or a casual-dating situation is when one person becomes attached while the other is in it just for the sex.
‘Sex is pretty casual, but still not carefree,’ he said. ‘Even casual sex has emotional implications.’
Published on September 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Contact Colleen: cbidwill@syr.edu
