SEX AND RELATIONSHIP VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL ATTRACTION IN CROSS-SEX PLATONIC FRIENDSHIPS BETWEEN YOUNG HETEROSEXUAL ADULTS

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 wi th their closest current platonic cross-sex friend. Results suggest th at 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 (biological) sex all ac counted for significant amounts of variance in predicting sexual attra ction, while liking, relationship duration and current romantic status did not. Loving accounted for the most variance in predicting sexual attraction.