Sex and Drugs and Starting School

Differences in Precollege Alcohol-Related Sexual Risk Taking by Gender and Recent Blackout Activity

Bibliographic Data

ID10210458
AuthorsAmie L Haas (0000-0003-4492-7329, Palo Alto University, corresponding author), Jennifer M Barthel (Palo Alto University), Stephanie Taylor (0000-0001-7454-6354, Palo Alto University)
Year2016
Volume54
Issue6
Pages741-751
Publication date2016-10-07
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Sex Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4499 • E-ISSN: 1559-8519
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00224499.2016.1228797
PMID27715330
OpenAlexW2528368720
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited61

Research has demonstrated a link between alcohol use and multiple forms of risky sexual behavior, particularly among college-age individuals. Studies have also linked heavy alcohol use to other problems, such as impaired consciousness resulting from an alcohol-induced blackout, which may impact sexual decision making. However, research has rarely examined sexual risk taking (SRT) in relation to blackouts, nor has it examined this construct during the precollege transition (i.e., the interval of time between high school graduation and college matriculation). This study examined the intersection between alcohol-involved SRT, blackouts, and gender in a sample of precollege individuals with prior alcohol use (N = 229; 54% male, 63% White). Results indicated that, despite drinking less per occasion, women reporting recent blackouts were at increased risk for experiencing unwanted, unsafe, and regretted sexual behaviors compared to men with recent blackouts and their peers with no recent blackouts. Women with recent blackouts also reported differences in alcohol expectancies that may increase their risk for experiencing negative consequences while drinking, including higher social expectancies and lower negative expectancies of danger. Future directions for research and implications for precollege interventions are discussed

Blackout · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Injury prevention · Poison control · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Medicine · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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