Hooking Up During College

Hookups are a normal part of young people’s sexual development (Allison and Risman 2017; Armstrong and Hamilton 2013; Kuperberg and Padgett 2016); they are more likely high school hookup stories to be engaged in during their first year in college. Moreover, hookups have been linked to higher rates of engagement in intercourse, sexually active partners, and marriage (Carroll et al. 2007). Students’ motivations for hooking up vary by age, race, gender, religiosity, class and social context. These differences may be influenced by individual-level factors such as marital horizons, or the outlook and approach to marriage based on desired future transitions (Carroll et al. 2007). The majority of participants in this study reported hooking up for sexual pleasure, with some reporting other reasons as well: to form romantic relationships (N = 38, 33.0%), to gain the 'college experience' (N = 17; 14.8%) or to improve their sex skills (N = 18; 15.8%). A small group of students were not sure why they hooked up. Another large group, comprised of relationship seekers, was less motivated by sex and more likely to be motivated by other factors. They were more likely to be motivated by the college experience, improving sex skills and to have self-confidence than any other group. Regardless of the reasons for hooking up, it’s important to be safe and respectful. In particular, it’s critical to ensure that intercourse is consensual and that both partners are happy with the outcome. If either party feels uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s important to stop the interaction immediately.