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Sex and Relationship Variables as Predictors of Sexual Attraction in Cross-Sex Platonic Friendships between Young Heterosexual Adults

University of Illinois at Chicago, U53639{at}UIC.EDU

Christopher B. Keys

University of Illinois at Chicago

This study examined factors associated with sexual attraction in close, platonic, cross-sex friendships. Male (n = 83) and female (n = 103) heterosexual undergraduates were surveyed about their relationships with their closest current platonic cross-sex friend. Results suggest that sexual attraction is often present in cross-sex friendships, common to both sexes, and is more frequently evidenced by males. Regression analysis revealed that the variables of sex, loving, previous romantic involvement and the interaction of loving and (bio-logical) sex all accounted for significant amounts of variance in predicting sexual attraction, while liking, relationship duration and current romantic status did not. Loving accounted for the most variance in predicting sexual attraction.

Key Words: cross-sex friendship • love • sexual attraction

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 14, No. 2, 191-206 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407597142003


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