The Potential Psychological Consequences of a One-Night Stand

The health consequences of the hookup culture are often discussed in the media. Individuals with multiple sexual partners are at high risk of contracting an STI. Because alcohol use is often involved, discussions of what one partner may have are unlikely to occur. In addition, increased alcohol use is correlated with a decrease in condom use, increasing chances of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. It is with these reasons that campuses across the world try to inform their students about the dangers of sex. However important these reasons may be, they do not address another important area. How does a one-night stand affect the mind?

Lehmiller (2014) mentions that singles are less sexually satisfied then those that are in long-term and committed relationships, but is that all? Probably not. In a study of nearly 4,000 students from 30 campuses across the United States, Bersamin et al. (2014) discovered hookups may have significant negative consequences on mental health. For the purpose of the study, the authors used the term "casual sex" and defined it as penis-vaginal penetration between two partners who had known each other less than a week. They measured two areas of mental health: well-being (such as self-esteem and satisfaction with life) and psychological distress (such as social anxiety and depression).

The first result they discovered was that only 11% of their participants had had casual sex in the last 30 days. This suggests that the hookup culture might not be as prevalent as it is often portrayed. However, it is important to note that the definition was limited to heterosexual encounters in which penetration occurred. The authors of the study note that other research with broader terms (such as ones that included oral sex or even kissing) have revealed a higher prevalence.

Their primary results found that casual sex was negatively correlated with well-being and positively correlated with psychological distress. In other words, those who participate in casual sex are more likely to rate their general well-being lower, and their psychological distress higher. The authors point out that this is merely a correlation, and not a causation. However, the results they found are statistically significant, suggesting that something of note is occurring at some level. One suggestion is that those who have increased distress and lower well-being may be more likely to seek out casual sex encounters in attempt to make up what they feel is lacking.

Whatever the cause, it is clear that there is more to a one-night stand than just STIs, pregnancy and sexual dissatisfaction. Understanding that their are potentially negative psychological aspects of participating in the so-called hookup culture will benefit both students and administrators.

References:

Bersamin, M. M., Zamboanga, B. L., Schwartz, S. J., Donnellan, M., Hudson, M., Weisskirch, R. S., & ... Caraway, S. (2014). Risky Business: Is There an Association between Casual Sex and Mental Health among Emerging Adults?. Journal Of Sex Research,51(1), 43-51. doi:10.1080/00224499.2013.772088

Lehmiller, J. J. (2014). The Psychology of Human Sexuality. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.