Predictors of Hooking Up Sexual Behaviors and Emotional Reactions Among U.S. College Students

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.

Casual Sex: Integrating Social, Behavioral, and Sexual Health Research

“…It is clear from the existing research that uncommitted sexual encounters tend to result in a range of concomitant feelings afterwards, ranging from generally positive affect (Campbell 2008;Garcia and Reiber 2008;Lewis et al 2012), to regret and negative emotional states (Eshbaugh and Gute 2008;Fisher et al 2012;Townsend and Wasserman 2011). A number of factors contribute to the positive and/or negative reactions individuals have to hook-ups.…”

Hooking Up as an Individualistic Practice: A Double-Edged Sword for College Women

“…Broadly speaking, research finds that the benefits of the practice for young women tend to be characterized by various forms of self-growth, autonomy, and self-gratification. These different types of self-enhancement include sexual exploration, the opportunity to prioritize self-development goals of education and career, greater sexual freedom (e.g., to have multiple partners, to act on sexual desire), sexual pleasure without the constraints of romantic commitment, peer approval, perceived empowerment, sexual validation, enjoyment, happiness, pride, and excitement (Armstrong et al 2010b;Bisson and Levine 2007;England et al 2008;Fielder et al 2014;Freitas 2008;Glenn and Marquardt 2001;Hamilton and Armstrong 2009;Kalish and Kimmel 2011;Lewis et al 2012;Lyons et al 2014;Owen and Fincham 2011;Owen et al 2008;Paul and Hayes 2002;Reid et al 2011). In contrast, the costs of hooking up for young women can be generally characterized in terms of various forms of sexual and romantic alienation, sexual health problems, and exploitation and mistreatment.…”

(Hetero)sexual Compliance with Unwanted Casual Sex: Associations with Feelings about First Sex and Sexual Self-Perceptions

“…To date, little research has investigated sexual compliance in the absence of a committed relationship, such as a hook up. According to Lewis et al (2012) a hook up is a sexual encounter where two people are physically intimate (e.g., kissing, touching, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex) with someone whom they are not dating or in a romantic relationship with at the time, and in which it is understood there is no mutual expectation of a romantic commitment (p. 1219).…”

“…Understanding compliance with casual hook up sex is important because of its potential consequences, including unintended pregnancy, STIs, feelings of disempowerment, loss of control, or limited sexual pleasure (e.g., Lewis et al 2012;Owen and Fincham 2011). When people consent to unwanted sex, they act counter to their own sexual feelings while hiding these feelings from partners.…”