1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The aim of the current research [is] to compare four CSR [casual sexual relationship] partner types on the three components of Sternberg’s (1986) triangular theory of love among a sample of emerging adults.» (p. 1200)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The current study addressed two questions: […] Do CSR partner types differ on commitment, intimacy, and passion? And[:] Are CSR partner type differences on commitment, intimacy, and passion explained by CSR components? First, [the authors] hypothesized that levels of passion, intimacy, and commitment increase with CSR partner familiarity[.] Second, [they] hypothesized that CSR partner type differences on passion, intimacy, and commitment are at least partially explained by CSR components, such as the frequency of sexual and social activity […].» (p. 1195)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Data for this study were drawn from the Sexuality and Modern Intimate Ties and Networks online study relying on convenience and network-based recruitment in Canada […], notably in the province of Quebec.» (p. 1195) «For the purpose of this study, the authors only included single adults aged 18–25 years old who reported being sexually active in the previous 12 months […], not being involved in a romantic relationship, and having had more than one sexual contact with their last CSR partner [for a total of 441 participants].» (p. 1196)

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

In sum, while CSRs may be structured in such a way as to limit the experience and expression of emotions […], results support the idea that partners experience some form of love, which increases with familiarity. CSR partners may love each other as good friends or good sex partners.» (p. 1202) Furthermore, «[t]his study calls for greater attention to love (in its broader sense) within CSRs. The present study’s results showed significant variations across CSR partner types on reported levels of passion, intimacy, and commitment, which challenges the assumption that CSRs are solely sexuality-focused, or the conception of CSRs as “sex without love.” Researchers and practitioners should explore intimacy and commitment among emerging adults experiencing CSRs without assuming that CSRs are only about sex. By being aware that CSRs may involve some levels of intimacy and commitment, practitioners might be more apt to help emerging adults make sense of their feelings toward CSR partners. In accordance with Wentland and Reissing (2011), our findings support the idea that we should not take casual sex too casually.» (p. 1202)