Citation

Fielder RL, Carey KB, Carey MP. J. Adolesc. Health 2013; 52(5): 657-659.

Affiliation

Center for Health and Behavior and Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.09.001

PMID

23298995

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and frequency of sexual hookups across the first year of college and to compare rates of hookups and romantic relationship sex. METHODS: We surveyed 483 first-year female college students (mean age, 18.1 years; range, 18-21 years, 64% white) monthly over the first year of college about the frequency of sexual behavior in the context of hookups and romantic relationships. RESULTS: The prevalence of hookups involving oral or vaginal sex was 34% before college and 40% during the first year, compared with 58% and 56%, respectively, with romantic partners. Fewer than one in five participants (7%-18%) had a sexual hookup each month, whereas 25%-38% had sex in the context of relationships each month. CONCLUSIONS: Hooking up varies in frequency over the first year in college, but remains less common than sex in the context of relationships.

Language: en