Final answer:
Students often engage in non-committed relationships due to physical reasons, the excitement of hooking up, or passing time, influenced by factors like proximity and life stage priorities. These relationships tend to emphasize aspects such as passion and intimacy, as described in Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, but generally lack commitment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many students engage in non-committed types of relationships primarily for a combination of reasons, which could include physical reasons, the excitement of hooking up, or simply passing time. According to Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, different forms of love reflect differing balances of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. While a consummate love would involve all three, other forms, like infatuation or romantic love, may be present in non-committed relationships, displaying passion and perhaps intimacy, but lacking in commitment. Additionally, proximity is a significant factor influencing the formation of both friendships and romantic relationships, as regular contact increases the likelihood of developing these connections.
Factors such as physical attraction, the appeal of a novel or exciting experience, ease of contact, and social influences can all contribute to why students form these non-committed relationships. Importantly, different life stages may prioritize different aspects of relationships, and during adolescence or young adulthood, the combination of these factors may lead to non-committed relationships that focus more on exploration and experience rather than long-term commitment.