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 andvaginal sex andcondomuse during the most recent hookup, a term that refers to a range of physically intimate behaviors outside of acommitted relationship, among college students. Inaddition, this researchaimedtoevaluate 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 thatwascomprised ofmeasures 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. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.