avatarKiki Wellington

Summary

Research indicates that casual sex can involve intimacy and affectionate behaviors, challenging the stereotype that such encounters are solely physical.

Abstract

A study published in the Journal of Relationships Research reveals that casual sex is not devoid of intimacy, as commonly perceived. The research, which surveyed college students, found that individuals engaging in casual sex still seek and enjoy intimate activities such as foreplay, eye gazing, cuddling, and spending the night together. While these behaviors are more frequently associated with romantic relationships, they are also present in casual encounters, suggesting that those who prefer non-committed sexual activities still have a need for emotional closeness and connection. This challenges the notion that casual sex is purely transactional and highlights the complexity of human sexual relationships.

Opinions

  • Ann Merriwether, a researcher involved in the study, emphasizes that the stereotype of casual sex being solely about meaningless physical acts is not accurate, and that intimacy is both important and desired by many who engage in hookups.
  • The study's findings indicate that even those who prefer casual sex over committed relationships value affection and intimacy, implying that these needs can be met outside of traditional romantic contexts.
  • Sean Massey, a co-author of the study, points out that young adults who favor casual sexual encounters are more inclined to seek intimacy through these experiences, reinforcing the idea that casual sex can fulfill emotional needs.

Quickie: What Is the Relationship Between Casual Sex and Intimacy?

Casual sex benefits are not just a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am affair

Photo by Dmitroza on DepositPhotos

Conventional wisdom tells us that casual sex is meant to be just that — casual. We often believe that the casual sex rules are supposed to be having no strings, and definitely no emotions, attached. Although this can certainly be the case, and these types of encounters can definitely be enjoyable, a study in the Journal of Relationships Research shows that casual sex benefits don’t have to be completely divorced from intimacy.

“We have a stereotype that casual sex — hookups — are just about meaningless sex, but this research shows this is not necessarily true,” said researcher Ann Merriwether. “It shows intimacy is important and desired by many people, especially those who prefer hookups to more traditional relationships.”

To find out how important intimacy is in hookups, Merriwether and her colleagues surveyed hundreds of college students on how much affection and intimacy they enjoyed during casual sex compared to sex in a romantic relationship. These activities included behaviors such as foreplay, eye gazing, cuddling, and spending the night with a sex partner.

“We have a stereotype that casual sex — hookups — are just about meaningless sex, but this research shows this is not necessarily true.” — Ann Merriwether

Although respondents indicated that they were more likely to engage in affectionate and intimate activities when they’re in a romantic relationship, there was still a place for these acts even during casual encounters. In fact, those who preferred casual sex benefits to long-term relationship romps still wanted their sex life to meet their intimacy needs.

“Young adults who indicated they prefer casual sexual encounters over relationship sex were more likely to want affection and intimacy from them,” said study co-author Sean Massey. “This suggests they seek to meet their need for intimacy through those casual encounters.”

More from Kiki Wellington:

Source:

People who prefer casual sex still desire intimacy. EurekAlert. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/798550

Relationships
Sexuality
Quickies
Casual Sex
Intimacy
Recommended from ReadMedium