Netflix and chill? Exploring and refining differing motivations in friends with benefits relationships

Previous work on friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs) has demonstrated a need for more specific attention to exploring the motivations for engaging in such relationships. Moreover, recent research has revealed new developments in the complexities of FWBRs in general, prompting a reevaluation of previously noted trends. This manuscript contains two studies. Study 1 used open coding to condense the existing typologies of FWBR motivations, uncovering a previously undocumented motivation, labeled sliding. Study 2 replicates study 1, and also accounts for multiple simultaneous motivations as well as potential motivational changes throughout the duration of FWBRs. Results reveal that most people in FWBRs only experience one motivation for engaging in their relationships. Moreover, motivations tend to change as FWBRs develop, including desires for relational escalation, de-escalation, and companionship. Sex differences as well as relationship type differences are discussed as well.