Non-intercourse and intercourse hookup intentions, drinking expectancies, and college students' heavy drinking

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• College students' intentions for casual sex (hookups) and heavy alcohol consumption are prevalent issues.
• Understanding the relationship between hookup intentions and drinking behaviors is crucial for student well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between college students' hookup intentions and heavy drinking.
• To investigate the moderating role of social and sexual enhancement drinking expectancies in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 235 college students assessed hookup intentions (non-intercourse and intercourse), drinking expectancies, and heavy drinking patterns.
• Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed, controlling for demographic variables.

Main Results:

• Non-intercourse hookup intentions were positively linked to heavy drinking.
• Intercourse hookup intentions were not significantly associated with heavy drinking.
• Sexual enhancement drinking expectancies moderated the association between hookup intentions and heavy drinking, with higher expectancies linked to more heavy drinking for non-intercourse intentions and less for intercourse intentions.

Conclusions:

• Intentions for non-intercourse hookups are associated with heavy drinking among college students.
• Sexual enhancement drinking expectancies play a significant role in moderating this relationship.
• Findings suggest that certain casual sexual interests may contribute to heavy alcohol consumption in college populations.