No Regrets Emotional and Relational Consequences of Casual Sex ...

No Regrets
Emotional and Relational Consequences of Casual Sex Among
College Students
Student Researcher Maggie Tinsley
UNCG Wellness Center Intern
We at UNCG do not want to
be outdated in our
approach
Problem Statement:
Researchers who have investigated the “hook
up” culture on college campuses have all
given a common call to action to college
administrators and anyone involved with
college students.: we need to talk (provide
guidance) about sex, romance and hooking
up during the college years. College life
offers new freedoms and choices for many
college freshmen who are often ill prepared
to adequately access the possible lifelong
consequences of those choices—this is
especially true for sexual exploration.
Besides the risk of STD’s and pregnancy,
more attention needs to be given to the
emotional, mental and marital downfalls of
engaging in casual sex during the college
years.
The following is a brochure that UNCG provides
to students:
’Bring a sense of discovery to the things you’re
learning. You might be surprised! Many people
have a period of exploration before they decide
on a firm sexual style or identity”
“Rather than judging your thoughts and feelings –
keep your focus on choosing actions that work for
you”
“Make choices that fit your moral beliefs
Some only have one partner‐ others have multipleboth
are normal
Some may have one partner at a time others have
several different in the same given period‐ both are
normal”
Students hear conflicting messages
Normal implies “OK” to students
Vital information is missing
Between 79% and 85% of US college students report that they
have engaged in at least one hook‐up
(Paul and Hayes 2002).
Intervention strategies:
2 Dating Game Events
Student Discussion form
Development of class room
curriculum
College class presentations
Website development
Internship included the following:
Research and literature review of casual sex in relation to
population
Assess secondary and primary data
Plan and implement intervention strategies
Evaluate program effectiveness
The
Consequences
Casual Sex:
Regret: 74% of
college students
experience regret (1).
of
Oxytocin is a female bonding
hormone secreted during sex which
causes feelings of attachment(2).
Reputations for women and men are
damaged (4).
Ability to bond may be harmed (4).
Correlation between having premarital
sexual relations with other than future mate
may double the likelihood of divorce (5).
Keeps men in “boy mode” where they do
not have to provide, protect or pursue
(6).
Increases depression in women (7)
References
1.Eshbaugh, Elaine M., Gute, Gary.Hookups and Sexual Regret among College
Women. Journal of Social Psychology, Feb2008, Vol. 148 Issue 1, p77
2.Ross, Heather E., Young, Larry J. (2009) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology,
Volume 30, Issue 4, P.52
3. Glenn, N.,Marquardt,E. (2001) Hooking up, Hanging out and Hoping for Mr.
Right. College Women on Dating and Mating Today. Institute for
American Values. page 16
4. Garcia, L. (2006). Perceptions of sexual experience and preferences for dating
and marriage. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 15(2), 85‐94.
5. Teachman, J. (2003). Premarital Sex, Premarital Cohabitation and the Risk of
Subsequent Marital Dissolution Among Women. Journal of Marriage
and Family, 65(2), p. 456
6. . Glenn, N.,Marquardt,E. (2001) Hooking up, Hanging out and Hoping for Mr.
Right. College Women on Dating and Mating Today. Institute for
American Values. Pg. 16
7. Amy L., G., & Kathryn A., K. (2004). Associations Between Insecure
Attachment and Sexual Experiences. Personal Relationships, 11(2),
249‐265. doi:10.1111/j.1475‐6811.2004.00081
.

Prevalence
• Between 79% and 85% of US
college students report that they
have engaged in at least one hookup
(Paul and Hayes 2002; Paul et al. 2000).
• 30% of the casual sex encounters
involve intercourse (Burdette, Ellison, Hill & Glenn, 2009 p.
540)

stude
•
•
•
•
Goals
To provide opportunities for
college students to talk about
sexual decisions and their
future
To provide support Services for
students who want to explore
the issues related to casual sex
To make every student aware of
how casual sex may harm
relational abilities
To inform UNCG students fully
about sexual impacts on
relationships