Predictors of hooking up sexual behaviors and emotional reactions among U.S. college students

Arch Sex Behav. 2012 Oct;41(5):1219-29. doi: 10.1007/s10508-011-9817-2. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

Abstract

The present study examined factors associated with engaging in oral and vaginal sex and condom use during the most recent hookup, a term that refers to a range of physically intimate behaviors outside of a committed relationship, among college students. In addition, this research aimed to evaluate factors associated with experiencing positive and negative affect resulting from the most recent hookup. A random sample (N = 1,468) of undergraduates (56.4% female) completed a Web-based survey that was comprised of measures of drinking and sexual behavior. Participants (n = 824; 56.1%) who indicated they had ever hooked up were included in data analysis. Findings indicated that sex, partner type, alcohol use, attitudes towards hooking up, and attitudes towards sexual activity during hookups explained significant variance for oral sex, vaginal sex, condom use, and positive and negative affect related to the most recent hookup experience. Clinical implications regarding the role of situational stressors, such as the impact on affect following a hookup, and ways to reduce risks associated with stressors are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Attitude
  • Coitus / psychology*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Safe Sex / psychology
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Universities