`I do not have Unprotected Sex’ …`Well I Don’t Have a Condom’: Descriptions of Safer Sex Conversations, Sex Attitudes and College Relationships

• In Event: The stability of sexual attitudes and communication in a world of changing relationships

Abstract

Recent research on college dating relationships indicates that a variety of casual sex relationships are experienced by today’s generation of students; including hanging out, hooking up (Grello, Welsh, & Harper, 2006; Paul & Hayes, 2002) friends with benefits (Bisson & Levine, 2006; Hughes, Morrison, & Asada, 2005; Mongeau, Ramirez & Vorrell, 2003), and more traditional dating relationships. These relationships often are facilitated by social networking sites (i.e., Facebook), occur in settings that are influenced by alcohol consumption, and in a culture where sexually transmitted diseases are considered a major challenge to public health (CDC, 2007). In the past, public health messages advocated the importance of “getting to know your partner” conversations as a risk reduction strategy (Welch Clline, Johnson, and Freeman, 1992). This article explores the types of safer sex conversations that college students report occurring in today’s transient relationships. Specifically, the relationships between sexual attitudes, conversations about safer sex, relationship type (i.e., hanging out, hooking up, one night stands, friends with benefits, etc.) and likelihood of engaging in safer sex are investigated. Three hundred and thirty three undergraduates from a large Midwestern University completed an online self-report survey describing their sexual attitudes, experiences with casual sex relationships, and safer sex conversations. Recommendations and implications for future research targeted at understanding the nuances of casual sex relationships and safer sex conversations are discussed.

Authors

• Kelly Morrison, Michigan State University

• Carmen Lee, San Diego State Univ