Abstract

Emerging adults (EAs) use many phrases to refer to their romantic interactions. In two studies (N₁ = 110; N₂ = 222), EAs’ knowledge and perceptions of “talking” were examined. In Study 1, a majority of college students had heard of “talking,” and perceived “talking” as distinct from “friends with benefits” (FWB) and dating. In Study 2, about half of a broader EA sample had heard of “talking” and perceived “talking” as being significantly less emotionally and physically intimate, and less committed than dating; they did, however, perceived “talking” to be similar in some ways to being FWB. Additionally, EAs varied in their agreement regarding the what, why, and how of “talking.” Incorporating these results into youth relationship education programs may be beneficial to promoting healthy relationship development and reducing relational uncertainty.

摘要

新兴成年人 (EA) 使用许多短语来指代他们的浪漫互动。在两项研究中（N ₁  = 110；N ₂ = 222)，调查了 EA 对“谈话”的了解和看法。在研究 1 中，大多数大学生都听说过“谈话”，并且认为“谈话”与“有利益的朋友”（FWB）和约会不同。在研究 2 中，大约一半的更广泛的 EA 样本听说过“谈话”，并认为“谈话”在情感和身体上的亲密程度明显低于约会，并且没有约会；然而，他们确实认为“说话”在某些方面与 FWB 相似。此外，EA 就“谈话”的内容、原因和方式达成一致意见也各不相同。将这些结果纳入青年关系教育计划可能有益于促进健康的关系发展并减少关系的不确定性。