OBJECTIVE: This study examined associations between drinking motivation, alcohol use, and sexual hookups among college students. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (n = 755 Midwest college student drinkers; 61% female) ranged in age from 18-24.
METHODS: Participants completed online measures of alcohol involvement (use and motives) and sexual activity.
RESULTS: Alcohol use was positively linked to sexual hookups. Social and enhancement motives were positively and indirectly associated with sexual hookups via alcohol use. Drinking to cope had a direct association with sexual hookups. Social drinking was more strongly associated with hookups in men than in women, but both groups exhibited a positive association.
CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to highlight the relationships between distinct drinking motives and sexual risk behavior. The results indicate that specific motives may increase risk of sexual hookups both indirectly via alcohol use, as well as directly, at least among those that drink to cope with negative mood.