Anuki Amarakoon
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Anuki Amarakoon has a total of 3 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Geoff MacDonald
University of Toronto, ON, Canada
1 shared publication Nicholas Latimer
Psychology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
1 shared publication- Samantha J. Dawson
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 30 November 2025
- Published by Wiley in Personal Relationships
- Vol. 32 (4)
Who Is “Doing It”? Casual Sex and WellBeing in Singlehood
The casual sex literature has mostly ignored the fact that casual sexual encounters typically occur in the broader context of lives lived single. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the casual sex experiences of single people. Using a discovery (Study 1, N = 747) and replication/extension (Study 2, N = 483) design, we investigated the frequency and characteristics of casual sexual relationships during singlehood and explored factors distinguishing singles who do and do not engage in casual sex in the domains of attachment, singlehood satisfaction, and wellbeing. Within our samples, 15.1% and 26.1% of singles reported being sexually active. These sexual relationships were characterized by limited exclusivity, low emotional closeness, and little interest in transitioning to a committed romantic relationship. Across both studies, singles engaging in casual sex reported lower attachment avoidance, greater sexual satisfaction, and higher self‐perceived mate value compared to those not sexually active, challenging previous research linking casual sex participation with negative outcomes. Considering casual sex as one part of lives lived single may provide a clearer picture of both decisions around casual sex opportunities and thriving during singlehood.
- 30 November 2025
- Published by Wiley in Personal Relationships
- Vol. 32 (4)
Open AccessWho Is “Doing It”? Casual Sex and WellBeing in Singlehood
The casual sex literature has mostly ignored the fact that casual sexual encounters typically occur in the broader context of lives lived single. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the casual sex experiences of single people. Using a discovery (Study 1, N = 747) and replication/extension (Study 2, N = 483) design, we investigated the frequency and characteristics of casual sexual relationships during singlehood and explored factors distinguishing singles who do and do not engage in casual sex in the domains of attachment, singlehood satisfaction, and wellbeing. Within our samples, 15.1% and 26.1% of singles reported being sexually active. These sexual relationships were characterized by limited exclusivity, low emotional closeness, and little interest in transitioning to a committed romantic relationship. Across both studies, singles engaging in casual sex reported lower attachment avoidance, greater sexual satisfaction, and higher self‐perceived mate value compared to those not sexually active, challenging previous research linking casual sex participation with negative outcomes. Considering casual sex as one part of lives lived single may provide a clearer picture of both decisions around casual sex opportunities and thriving during singlehood.