Keywords

relationships dynamics; situationships; depression; self-esteem; attachment theory; personality theory

Abstract

Non-committal sexual relationships such as hook-ups, friends-with-benefits (FWB/FWBR), and situationships have become increasingly common among young adults and have generated substantial discourse on social media. Despite the rise in modern relationship dynamics and new terminology (i.e., “situationships”), these relationship categories have not been adequately represented in psychological research. The present study examines whether engagement in non-committal relationship types is associated with differences in self-esteem and depressive symptoms compared to committed romantic relationships. Using Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and the Big Five Personality Model, this research also explores whether common interpersonal patterns, attachment styles (anxious and avoidant), and personality traits predict relationship type. Participants aged 18–26 (n = 347) reported their current relationship type and completed standardized measures of depressive symptoms (BDI-II), self-esteem (RSES), attachment (RAAS), and personality traits (BFI 10).  After excluding the participants with exclusionary material, 338 participants remained, with a mean age of M = 19.90 years (SD = 1.93). This current study predicted and found that relationship type had a significant effect on depressive symptoms. Individuals in situationships reported significantly higher depressive symptoms (M = 15.32, SE = 1.15) compared to those in committed monogamous relationships (M = 11.29, SE = 0.65). In addition, participants also reported higher levels of anxious attachment (M = 3.12, SD = .73) when in a situationship compared to those in committed relationships (M = 2.57, SD = .85). This study highlights the importance of understanding modern non-committal relationship dynamics and their impact on emotional health. This study contributes to modern literature by examining multiple non-committal relationship types simultaneously and integrating both attachment and personality frameworks. These findings have the potential to inform college mental health initiatives and guide policy decisions that promote student well-being. This research fosters a dialogue about healthy relationships and personal agency in the face of ambiguity in romantic relationships.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

White, Grace

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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