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Postdrinking sexual perceptions and behaviors toward another person: alcohol expectancy set and gender differences
William H George1, Susan A Stoner, Kelly Cue Davis
1Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. bgeorge@u.washington.edu
Journal of Sex Research
|June 30, 2007
Summary
Alcohol expectancy and gender significantly influence sexual perceptions and behavior. Men showed more erotic material to targets, especially drinking ones, and perceived targets as more aroused.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Human Sexuality
Background:
- Alcohol expectancy influences sexual perceptions.
- Gender plays a role in sexual perceptions and behavior.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for heterosexual encounters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of alcohol expectancy and gender on sexual perceptions.
- To examine behavioral effects related to showing erotic material.
- To explore the correlation between sexual perceptions and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Factorially crossed apparent drinking status of yoked pairs (participant and confederate).
- Manipulated alcohol expectancy and gender of participants and targets.
- Measured sexual perceptions and erotic material showing behavior.
Main Results:
- Alcohol expectancy and gender interacted complexly to influence sexual perceptions.
- Men showed more erotic material to both male and female targets than women.
- Men perceived targets as more sexually aroused and showed more material to drinking targets.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol expectancy and gender significantly impact sexual perceptions and behavior.
- Behavioral responses, like showing erotic material, are linked to perceptions.
- Findings have implications for understanding post-drinking heterosexual interactions.
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