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Friends with Benefits: Dating Practices of Rural High School and College Students

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Abstract

A specific type of casual relationship known as “Friends with Benefits” (FWB) is becoming increasingly popular among youth. However, current research has often examined the dating practices of urban college students, resulting in a limited understanding of rural youth. Potential risk factors associated with FWB include increased sexual risk behavior. The current study examined FWB among rural high school and college students (N = 100). No differences emerged in the rates of FWB between high school and college youth or males and females. College students and those participating in FWB reported more sexual risk behavior than high school students and those never engaging in FWB. Results suggest that FWB relationships are common among high school students and rural youth.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a Grant through the Research and Scholarship Support Fund, South Dakota State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and Human Development, South Dakota State University, Box 2275A, Wagner Hall 413, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA

    Amber Letcher

  2. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Jasmin Carmona

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  1. Amber Letcher
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  2. Jasmin Carmona
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Correspondence to Amber Letcher.

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Letcher, A., Carmona, J. Friends with Benefits: Dating Practices of Rural High School and College Students. J Community Health 40, 522–529 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9966-z

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