The relationship between hookup-associated substance use and post-hookup consequences among young adults

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between substance use in hookup contexts and post-hookup consequences among a sample of young adults aged 18-24 in the Greater Seattle area. Of the N=778 participants in the parent study, 75% (n=590) reported having experienced at least one hookup (HU) in their lifetime. As expected, the HU group reported higher levels of drinking, cannabis, and illicit drug use compared to the no-HU group. Ratings of typical alcohol and illicit drug use in HU contexts were associated with number of lifetime negative HU consequences endorsed. Ratings of typical marijuana use in HU contexts were not significantly associated with number of lifetime negative HU consequences endorsed. There was not a significant difference in likelihood of engaging in intercourse during last hookup between those who did and did not drink in the encounter. Among those who had intercourse, there was not a significant difference in likelihood of using contraceptives between those who did and did not drink. Across the hookup events reported, positive affect scores were higher than negative affect scores. However, people who drank in their most recent hookup reported lower positive and higher negative affect scores post-hookup compared to those who did not drink.