Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Casual Sex: Integrating Social, Behavioral, and Sexual Health Research

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities

Part of the book series: Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research ((HSSR))

Abstract

While sexuality scholars have long been interested in questions of the relational context of sexual activity, the last decade has witnessed an abundance of research on the topic of casual sex. This research has focused on the context of sexual activity between individuals not in a romantic relationship. Various forms of uncommitted or “casual” sexual activity have been identified, from hook-ups to friends with benefits, resulting in a new research agenda that speaks to the sexual lives of youth today. We attempt to reconcile the casual sex research in the social and behavioral sciences with that in public health, to develop a deeper and more holistic understanding of sexual health across relationship contexts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 89.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, A. M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P. O. (2003). The relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18(7), 813–833.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison, R., & Risman, B. J. (2013). A double standard for “Hooking up”: How far have we come toward gender equality? Social Science Research, 42(5), 1191–1206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altman, D. (1971). Homosexual: Oppression and liberation. New York: Outerbridge & Dienstfrey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altman, D. (1982). The homosexualization of America: The Americanization of the homosexual. New York: St Martin’s.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, E. A., & Hamilton, L. (2013). Paying for the party: How college maintains inequality. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, E. A., England, P., & Fogarty, A. C. K. (2009). Orgasm in college hookups and relationships. In B. J. Risman (Ed.), Families as they really are (pp. 362–377). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, E. A., England, P., & Fogarty, A. C. K. (2012). Accounting for women’s orgasm and sexual enjoyment in college hookups and relationships. American Sociological Review, 77(3), 435–462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55, 469–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. (2004). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey, B. L. (1988). From front porch to back seat: Courtship in twentieth century America. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beres, M. (2010). Sexual miscommunication? Untangling assumptions about sexual communication between casual sex partners. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 12, 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogle, K. A. (2008). Hooking up: Sex, dating, and relationships on campus. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyer, C. B., Sebro, N. S., Wibbelsman, C., & Shafer, M. A. (2006). Acquisition of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents attending an urban, general HMO teen clinic. Journal of Adolescent Health, 39, 287–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boswell, A. A., & Spade, J. Z. (1996). Fraternities and college rape culture: Why are some fraternities more dangerous places for women. Gender & Society, 10(2), 133–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C., Kahn, A. S., & Saville, B. K. (2010). To hook up or date: Which gender benefits? Sex Roles, 62, 661–669.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brady, S., Tschann, J. M., Ellen, J. M., & Flores, E. (2009). Infidelity, trust, and condom use among Latino youth in dating relationships. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 36(4), 227–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. L., Sales, J. M., DiClemente, R. J., Latham Davis, T. P., & Rose, E. S. (2012). Characteristics of African American adolescent females who perceive their current boyfriends have concurrent sexual partners. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(4), 377–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, A. (2008). The morning after the night before: Affective reactions to one-night stands among mated and unmated women and men. Human Nature, 19, 157–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, M. W., Hock-Long, L., Marie Kraft, J., Henry-Moss, D., Hatfield-Timajchy, K., & Singer, M. (2012). Strategies for managing the dual risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy among Puerto Rican and African American young adults. American Journal of Public Health, 102(3), 449–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cates, W. (1991). Teenagers and sexual risk taking: The best of times and the worst of times. Journal of Adolescent Health, 12, 84–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). A public health approach for advancing sexual health in the United States: Rationale and options for implementation, meeting report of an external consultation. Atlanta: Author. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2013. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Champion, J. D., & Collins, J. L. (2013). Conceptualization of sexual partner relationship steadiness among ethnic minority adolescent women: Implications for evidence-based behavioral sexual risk reduction interventions. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 24(3), 242–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christopher, F. (1988). An initial investigation into a continuum of premarital sexual pressure. Journal of Sex Research, 25(2), 255–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chronicle Books. (2011). Hook-ups & hangovers: A journal. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, R. D., & Hatfield, E. (1989). Gender differences in receptivity to sexual offers. Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 2, 39–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Claxton, S. E., & van Dullmen, M. H. M. (2013). Casual sexual relationships and experiences in emerging adulthood. Emerging Adulthood, 1(2), 138–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conley, T. D. (2011). Perceived proposer personality characteristics and gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 100, 309–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conley, T. D., Ziegler, A., & Moors, A. C. (2012). Backlash from the bedroom: Stigma mediates gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 37(3), 392–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corbett, A. M., Dickson-Gomez, J., Hilario, H., & Weeks, M. R. (2009). A little thing called love: Condom use in high-risk primary heterosexual relationships. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 41(4), 218–224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crown, L., & Roberts, L. J. (2007). Against their will: Young women’s nonagentic sexual experiences. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24, 385–405.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, K. C., Schraufnagel, T. J., Kajumulo, K. F., Gilmore, A. K., Norris, J., & George, W. H. (2014). A qualitative examination of men’s condom use attitudes and resistance: “it’s just part of the game.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(3), 631–643.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Downing-Matibag, T. M., & Geisinger, B. (2009). Hooking up and sexual risk taking among college students: A health belief model perspective. Qualitative Health Research, 19(9), 1196–1209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elder, G. H., & Rockwell, R. C. (1979). The life-course and human development: An ecological perspective. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 2, 1–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elder, G. H., Johnson, M. K., & Crosnoe, R. (2003). The emergence and development of life course theory. In J. T. Mortimer & M. J. Shanahan (Eds.), Handbook of the Life Course (pp. 3–19). Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1958). Sex without guilt. New York: Lyle Stuart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. New York: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity, youth and crisis. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erlandsson, K., Jinghede Nordvall, C., Ohman, A., & Häggström-Nordin, E. (2013). Qualitative interviews with adolescents about “friends-with-benefits” relationships. Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.), 30(1), 47–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eshbaugh, E. M., & Gute, G. (2008). Hookups and sexual regret among college women. The Journal of Social Psychology, 148, 77–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fielder, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2010). Prevalence and characteristics of sexual hookups among first-semester female college students. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 36, 346–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fielder, R. L., Walsh, J. L., Carey, K. B., & Carey, M. P. (2013). Predictors of sexual hookups: A theory-based, prospective study of first-year college women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(8), 1425–1441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finer, L. B. (2007). Trends in premarital sex in the United States, 1954–2003. Public Health Reports, 122, 73–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finer, L. B., & Philbin, J. M. (2013). Sexual initiation, contraceptive use, and pregnancy among young adolescents. Pediatrics, 131(5), 1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finer, L. B., & Zolna, M. R. (2014). Shifts in intended and unintended pregnancies in the United States, 2001–2008. American Journal of Public Health, 104(Suppl 1), S43–S48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finer, L. B., Frohwirth, L. F., Dauphinee, L. A., Singh, S., & Moore, A. M. (2005). Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 37(3), 110–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, H. E. (1992). Anatomy of love: The natural history of monogamy, adultery, and divorce. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, M. L., Worth, K., Garcia, J. R., & Meredith, T. (2012). Feelings of regret following uncommitted sexual encounters in Canadian university students. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 14(1), 45–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, M. L., Chang, R. S., & Garcia, J. R. (2013). Introduction to evolution’s empress. In M. L. Fisher, J. R. Garcia, & R. S. Chang (Eds.), Evolution’s empress: Darwinian perspectives on the nature of women (pp. 1–16). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Flack, W. R., Daubman, K. A., Caron, M. L., Asadorian, J. A., D’Aureli, N. R., Gigliotti, S. N., Hall, A. T., Kiser, S., & Stine, E. R. (2007). Risk factors and consequences of unwanted sex among university students: Hooking up, alcohol, and stress response. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 22(2), 139–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franklin, C. A. (2010). Physically forced, alcohol-induced, and verbally coerced sexual victimization: Assessing risk factors among university women. Journal of Criminal Justice, 38, 149–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., & Fisher, H. E. (2015). Why we hook up: Searching for sex or looking for love? In S. Tarrant (Ed.), Gender, sex, and politics: In the streets and between the sheets in the 21st century. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., & Kruger, D. J. (2010). Unbuckling in the Bible Belt: Conservative sexual norms lower age at marriage. The Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 4, 206–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., & Reiber, C. (2008). Hook-up behavior: A biopsychosocial perspective. The Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 2, 192–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., MacKillop, J., Aller, E. L., Merriwether, A. M., Wilson, D. S., & Lum, J. K. (2010). Associations between dopamine D4 receptor gene variation with both infidelity and sexual promiscuity. PLoS ONE, 5, e14162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., Reiber, C., Massey, S. G., & Merriwether, A. M. (2012). Sexual hookup culture: A review. Review of General Psychology, 16(2), 161–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., Lloyd, E. A., Wallen, K., & Fisher, H. E. (2014). Variation in orgasm occurrence by sexual orientation in a sample of U.S. singles. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11(11), 2645–2652.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J. R., Massey, S. G., Merriwether, A. M., & Seibold-Simpson, S. M. (In Review). Orgasm experiences among emerging adult men and women: Gender, relationship context, and attitudes toward casual sex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs, L. (2013). Gender, relationship type and contraceptive use at first intercourse. Contraception, 87(6), 806–812.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, P. B., & Garcia, J. R. (2013). Evolution and human sexual behavior. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenspan, S. (2011). 11 points guide to hooking up: Lists and advice about first dates, hotties, scandals, pickups, threesomes, and booty calls. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guzman, L., Wildsmith, E., Manlove, J., & Franzetta, K. (2010). Unintended births: Patterns by race and ethnicity and relationship type. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 42(3), 176–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, S. S., & Knox, D. (2013). A profile of double victims: Sexual coercion by a dating partner and a stranger. Journal of Agression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 22, 145–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halpern, C. T. (2010). Reframing research on adolescent sexuality: Healthy sexual development as part of the life course. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 42(1), 6–7. doi:10.1363/420610.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatfield, E., Hutchison, E. S. S., Bensman, L., Young, D. M., & Rapson, R. L. (2012). Cultural, social, and gender influences on casual sex: New developments. In J. M. Turner & A. D. Mitchell (Eds.), Social psychology: New developments. Hauppauge: Nova Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayford, S. R., & Guzzo, K. B. (2013). Racial and ethnic variation in unmarried young adults’ motivation to avoid pregnancy. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 45, 41–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haydon, A. A., Herring, A. H., & Halpern, C. T. (2012). Associations between patterns of emerging sexual behavior and young adult reproductive health. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 44(4), 218–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heldman, C., & Wade, L. (2010). Hook-up culture: Setting a new research agenda. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 7, 323–333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S. A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2010). Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14–94. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7, 255–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J. A., & Hirsch, J. S. (2008). Pleasure, power, and inequality: Incorporating sexuality into research on contraceptive use. American Journal of Public Health, 98(10), 1803–1813.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, M. S., Garcia, J. R., Musicaro, R. M., & Geher, G. (In review). Casual but not always wanted: Exploring the occurrence of unwanted sexual experiences in the context of sexual hookups.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holman, A., & Sillars, A. (2012). Talk about “hooking up”: The influence of college student social networks on nonrelationship sex. Health Communication, 27, 205–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, D., O’Byrne, P., & Gastaldo, D. (2007). Setting the space for sex: Architecture, desire, and health issues in gay bathhouses. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(2), 273–284.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hyde, J. S. (2005). The gender similarities hypothesis. American Psychologist, 60(6), 581–592.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jankowiak, W. R., & Fischer, E. F. (1992). A cross-cultural perspective on romantic love. Ethnology, 31, 149–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessor, R. (1991). Risk behavior in adolescence: A psychosocial framework for understanding and action. Journal of Adolescent Health, 12, 597–605.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessor, R., & Jessor, S. L. (1977). Problem behavior and psychosocial development: A longitudinal study of youth. New York: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, C. R. (2008). Casual sex: Towards a ‘Prehistory’ of gay life in Bohemian America. Interventions: International Journal of Postcolonial Studies, 10(3), 303–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalish, R. (2013). Masculinities and hooking Up: Sexual decision-making at college. Culture, Society & Masculinities, 5(2), 147–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, P. H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, T., & Thornber-Dunwell, M. (2014). Uptake of PrEP for HIV slow among MSM. The Lancet, 383, 399–400.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klipfel, K. M., Claxton, S. E., & van Dulmen, M. H. M. (2013). Interpersonal aggression victimization within casual sexual relationships and experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29, 557–569.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuperberg, A., & Padgett, J. E. (2015). Dating and hooking up in college: Meeting contexts, sex, and variation by gender, partner’s gender, and class standing. Journal of Sex Research, 52, 517–531.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, T. A., Kahn, A. S., & Apple, K. J. (2003). Pluralistic ignorance and hooking up. Journal of Sex Research, 40, 129–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lehmiller, J. J., VanderDrift, L. E., & Kelly, J. R. (2014). Sexual communication, satisfaction, and condom use behavior in friends with benefits and romantic partners. Journal of Sex Research, 51(1), 74–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, M. A., Granato, H., Blayney, J. A., Lostutter, T. W., & Kilmer, J. R. (2012). Predictors of hooking up sexual behavior and emotional reactions among U.S. college students. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(5), 1219–1229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., Stanton, B., & Yu, S. (2007). Factorial structure of problem behaviors among urban and rural American adolescents. Journal of the National Medical Association, 99(11), 1262–1270.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lieberman, C. (2014, February 10). Why college sating is so messed up?. COSMOPOLITAN. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a5585/college-dating-screwed-up/.

  • Lohan, M., Cruise, S., O’Halloran, P., Alderdice, F., & Hyde, A. (2010). Adolescent men’s attitudes in relation to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review of the literature from 1980e2009. Journal of Adolescent Health, 47, 327e345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyons, H. A., Manning, W. D., Longmore, M. A., & Giordano, P. C. (2014). Young adult casual sexual behavior: Life-course-specific motivations and consequences. Sociological Perspectives, 57(1), 79–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyons, H. A., Manning, W. D., Longmore, M. A., & Giordano, P. C. (2015). Gender and casual sexual activity from adolescence to emerging adulthood: Social and life course correlates. Journal of Sex Research, 52, 543–557.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manlove, J., Steward-Streng, N., Peterson, K., Scott, M., & Wildsmith, E. (2013). Racial and ethnic differences in the transition to a teenage birth in the United States. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 45(2), 89–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manlove, J., Welti, K., Wildsmith, E., & Barry, M. (2014). Relationship types and contraceptive use within young adult dating relationships. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 46(1), 41–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, W. S., Giordano, P. C., & Longmore, M. A. (2006). Hooking up: The relationship contexts of “nonrelationship” sex. Journal of Adolescent Research, 21, 459–483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mark, K. P., Garcia, J. R., & Fisher, H. E. (In Press). Emotional and sexual satisfaction across sexual relationship contexts: Gender and sexual orientation differences and similarities. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, G., Copen, C. E., & Abma, J. C. (2011). Teenagers in the United States: Sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing, 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Vital and Health Statistics, 23(31).

    Google Scholar 

  • Maticka-Tyndale, E. (1991). Sexual scripts and AIDS prevention: Variations in adherence to safer-sex guidelines by heterosexual adolescents. Journal of Sex Research, 28, 45–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matson, P. A., Adler, N. E., Millstein, S. G., Tschann, J. M., & Ellen, J. M. (2011). Developmental changes in condom use among urban adolescent females: Influence of partner context. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48, 386–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milhausen, R. R., McKay, A., Graham, C. A., Crosby, R. A., Yarber, W. L., & Sanders, S. A. (2013). Prevalence and predictors of condom use in a national sample of Canadian university students. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 22(3), 142–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moilanen, K. L., Crockett, L. J., Rafaelli, M., & Jones, B. L. (2010). Trajectories of sexual risk from middle adolescence to early adulthood. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20, 114–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, L. E., Morrison-Beedy, D., Kearney, M. H., & Dozier, A. (2011). Always, never, or sometimes: Examining variation in condom-use decision making among black adolescent mothers. Research in Nursing & Health, 34(4), 270–281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nystrom, R. J., Duke, J. E. A., & Victor, B. (2013). Shifting the paradigm in Oregon from teen pregnancy prevention to youth sexual health. Public Health Reports, 128 Suppl (1), 89–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, J., & Fincham, F. D. (2011). Young adults’ emotional reactions after hooking up encounters. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40, 321–330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paik, A. (2010a). “Hookups,” dating, and relationship quality: Does the type of sexual involvement matter? Social Science Research, 39, 739–753.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paik, A. (2010b). The contexts of sexual involvement and concurrent sexual partnerships. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 42, 33–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paterno, M. T., & Jordan, E. T. (2012). A review of factors associated with unprotected sex among adult women in the United States. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 41(2), 258–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paul, E. L., & Hayes, K. A. (2002). The casualties of “casual” sex: A qualitative exploration of the phenomenology of college students’ hook-ups. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 19, 639–661.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pazol, K., Creanga, A. A., Burley, K. D., Hayes, B., & Jamieson, D. J. (2013). Abortion surveillance—United States, 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveillance Summaries, 62(8), 1–44 (Washington, D.C.: 2002).

    Google Scholar 

  • Penhollow, T., Young, M., & Bailey, W. (2007). Relationship between religiosity and “hooking up” behavior. American Journal of Health Education, 38, 338–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2011). Gender differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors: A review of meta-analytic results and large datasets. Journal of Sex Research, 48(2–3), 149–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polis, C. B., & Zabin, L. S. (2012). Missed conceptions or misconceptions: Perceived infertility among unmarried young adults in the United States. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 44(1), 30–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollack, L. M., Boyer, C. B., & Weinstein, N. D. (2013). Perceived risk for sexually transmitted infections aligns with sexual risk behavior with the exception of condom nonuse: Data from a nonclinical sample of sexually active young adult women. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 40(5), 388–394.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prestage, G., Jin, F., Grulich, A., de Wit, J., & Zablotska, I. (2011). Gay men are less likely to use condoms with casual sex partners they know “well.” AIDS and Behavior, 1–5. doi:10.1007/s10461-011-9952-8

    Google Scholar 

  • Ray, R. & Rosow, J. 2010. Getting off and getting intimate: How normative institutional arrangements structure black and white fraternity men’s approaches towards women. Men and Masculinities, 12, 523–546.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reay, B. (2014). Promiscuous intimacies: Rethinking the history of American casual sex. Journal of Historical Sociology, 27(1), 1–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reece, M., Herbenick, D., Schick, V., Sanders, S. A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2010). Condom use rates in a national probability sample of males and females ages 14 to 94 in the United States. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(Supplement 5), 266–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reiber, C., & Garcia, J. R. (2010). Hooking up: Gender differences, evolution, and pluralistic ignorance. Evolutionary Psychology, 8, 390–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riehman, K. S., Wechsberg, W. M., Francis, S. A., Moore, M., & Morgan-Lopez, A. (2006). Discordance in monogamy beliefs, sexual concurrency, and condom use among young adult substance-involved couples: Implications for risk of sexually transmitted infections. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 33(11), 677–682.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rozler, J., & Lavinthal, A. (2005). The hookup handbook: A single girl’s guide to living it up. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupp, L. J., Taylor, V., Regev-Messalem, S., Fogarty, A. C. K., & England, P. (2014). Queer women in the hookup scene: Beyond the closet? Gender & Society, 28(2), 212–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Santelli, J. S., Speizer, I. S., Avery, A., & Kendall, C. (2006). An exploration of the dimensions of pregnancy intentions among women choosing to terminate pregnancy or initiate prenatal care in New Orleans, Louisiana. American Journal of Public Health, 96(11), 2009–2015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shanahan, M. J. (2000) Pathways to adulthood in changing societies: Variability and mechanisms in life course perspective. Annual Review of Sociology, 26, 667–692.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherman, A. J., & Tocantins, N. (2004). The happy hook-up: A single girl’s guide to casual sex. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer, M. C., Erickson, P. I., Badiane, L., Diaz, R., Ortiz, D., Abraham, T., & Nicolaysen, A. M. (2006). Syndemics, sex and the city: Understanding sexually transmitted diseases in social and cultural context. Social Science & Medicine, 63(8), 2010–2021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snapp, S., Ryu, E., & Kerr, J. (2015). The upside to hooking up: College students’ positive hookup experiences. International Journal of Sexual Health, 27(1), 43–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sprecher, S., Barbee, A., & Schwartz, P. (1995). “Was it good for you, too?”: Gender differences in first sexual intercourse experiences. Journal of Sex Research, 32(1), 3–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stinson, R. D. (2010). Hooking up in young adulthood: A review of factors influencing the sexual behavior of college students. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 24, 98–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swartzendruber, A., Zenilman, J. M., Niccolai, L. M., Kershaw, T. S., Brown, J. L., DiClemente, R. J., & Sales, J. M. (2013). It takes 2: partner attributes associated with sexually transmitted infections among adolescents. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 40(5), 372–378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tolman, D. (2002). Dilemmas of desire: Teenage girls talk about sexuality. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tolman, D. T., & Diamond, L. M. (2014). Sexuality theory: A review, a revision, and a recommendation. In D. T. Tolman & L. M. Diamond (Eds.), APA handbook on sexuality and psychology (pp. 3–27). Washington, D.C.: APA Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomsich, E. A., Schaible, L. M., Rennison, C. M., & Gover, A. R. (2013). Violent victimization and hooking up among strangers and acquaintances on an urban campus: An exploratory study. Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society, 26, 433–454.

    Google Scholar 

  • Townsend, J. M. (1995). Sex without emotional involvement: An evolutionary interpretation of sex differences. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 24, 173–206. doi:10.1007/BF01541580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Townsend, J. M., & Wasserman, T. H. (2011). Sexual hookups among college students: Sex differences in emotional reactions. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40, 1173–1181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasilenko, S. A., Lefkowitz, E. S., & Maggs, J. L. (2012). Short-term positive and negative consequences of sex based on daily reports among college students. Journal of Sex Research, 49(6), 558–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrangalova, Z. (2015). Does casual sex harm college students’ well-being? A longitudinal investigation of the role of motivation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44, 945–959

    Google Scholar 

  • Waldrop-Valverde, D. G., Davis, T. L., Sales, J. M., Rose, E. S., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. J. (2013). Sexual concurrency among young African-American women. Psychology, Health, & Medicine, 18(6), 676–686.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, J. L., Fielder, R. L., Carey, K. B., & Carey, M. P. (2014). Dual method use among a sample of first-year college women. Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 46(2), 73–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weaver, A. D., MacKeigan, K. L., & MacDonald, H. A. (2011). Experiences and perceptions of young adults in friends with benefits relationships: A qualitative study. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 20(1), 41–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wentland, J. J., & Reissing, E.D. (2011). Taking casual sex not too casually: Exploring definitions of casual sexual relationships. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 20(3), 75–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2006). Defining sexual health: Report of a technical consultation on sexual health, 28–31 January 2002, Geneva: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, M. O., Norton, D. L., & Matusek, J. A. (2010). Predicting verbal coercion following sexual refusal during a hookup: Diverging gender patterns. Sex Roles, 62, 647–660.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Kinsey Institute & Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Justin R. Garcia

  2. Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, 13902, Binghamton, NY, USA

    Susan M. Seibold-Simpson

  3. Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Program, Binghamton University, 13902, Binghamton, NY, USA

    Sean G. Massey

  4. Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Binghamton University, 13902, Binghamton, NY, USA

    Ann M. Merriwether

Authors
  1. Justin R. Garcia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Susan M. Seibold-Simpson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sean G. Massey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ann M. Merriwether
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Justin R. Garcia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    John DeLamater

  2. Department of Sociology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, USA

    Rebecca F. Plante

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Garcia, J., Seibold-Simpson, S., Massey, S., Merriwether, A. (2015). Casual Sex: Integrating Social, Behavioral, and Sexual Health Research. In: DeLamater, J., Plante, R. (eds) Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17341-2_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation