Skip to main content
Disciplines
Automotive Business IT + Informatics Construction + Real Estate Electrical Engineering + Electronics Energy + Sustainability Insurance + Risk Finance + Banking Management + Leadership Marketing + Sales Mechanical Engineering + Materials
Events
DE
EN
Books
Journals
Topic Page
Marketing
Start single access now
Access for companies
EXTENDED SEARCH
Log in
Top
Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy 4/2022

29-07-2022

A Short-Term Longitudinal Investigation of Insecure Attachments and Hooking Up Among Chinese College Students

Authors: Ke Yu, Dongfang Yu, Renhui Zhou

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 4/2022

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

Introduction

This short-term longitudinal study examines the mediating role of sexual motives and the moderating role of gender on the link between insecure attachments and the number of hookup partners.

Methods

A sample of 260 Chinese college students completed measurements of adult attachment, sexual motives, and number of hookup partners at three time points, with an interval of 6 months, from November 2018 to November 2019.

Results

Intimacy and coping motives mediated the association between anxious attachment and the number of hookup partners. In addition, the indirect effect of coping motives was moderated by gender. More specifically, coping motives had a significant mediating effect between anxious attachment and the number of hookup partners among college women.

Conclusions

The findings of this study specifically highlight the effect of sexual motives on the relationship between attachment and the number of hookup partners among Chinese college students, especially college women.

Policy Implications

Sexual education should encourage college students to check their motivation and psychosocial factors before hooking up. Educators should provide them with practical, emotional, and social skills to cope with psychological distress.
previous article Correction to: Understandability and Actionability of Education Materials About Syphilis on YouTube
next article Evaluation of the Transfer of Training for a Sexual Assault Resistance Program Enhanced with Sexuality Education

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now
Literature
Armstrong, H. L., & Reissing, E. D. (2015). Women’s motivations to have sex in casual and committed relationships with male and female partners. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(4), 921–934.PubMedCrossRef
Barber, L. L., & Cooper, M. L. (2014). Rebound sex: Sexual motives and behaviors following a relationship breakup. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(2), 251–265.PubMedCrossRef
Baumeister, R. F. (2000). Gender differences in erotic plasticity: the female sex drive as socially flexible and responsive. Psychological Bulletin, 126(3), 347–374.PubMedCrossRef
Birnbaum, G. E. (2007). Attachment orientations, sexual functioning, and relationship satisfaction in a community sample of women. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(1), 21–35.CrossRef
Birnbaum, G. E. (2015). On the convergence of sexual urges and emotional bonds: the interplay of sexual and attachment systems during relationship development. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment theory and research (pp. 170–194). Guilford Press.
Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., & Orpaz, A. (2006). When sex is more than just sex: Attachment orientations, sexual experience, and relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(5), 929–943.PubMedCrossRef
Bogaert, A. F., & Sadava, S. (2002). Adult attachment and sexual behavior. Personal Relationships, 9(2), 191–204.CrossRef
Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.
Brassard, A., Shaver, P. R., & Lussier, Y. (2007). Attachment, sexual experience, and sexual pressure in romantic relationships: a dyadic approach. Personal Relationships, 14(3), 475–493.CrossRef
Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Self-report measurement of adult attachment. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment theory and close relationships (pp. 46–76). Guilford Press.
Brennan, K. A., & Shaver, P. R. (1995). Dimensions of adult attachment, affect regulation, and romantic relationship functioning. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(3), 267–283.CrossRef
Cai, R., Zhao, J., Cai, W., Chen, L., Richardus, J. H., & de Vlas, S. J. (2014). HIV risk and prevention behaviors in men who have sex with men and women: a respondent-driven sampling study in Shenzhen, China. AIDS and Behavior, 18(8), 1560–1568.PubMed
Chen, W., Zhou, F., Hall, B. J., Wang, Y., Latkin, C., Ling, L., & Tucker, J. D. (2016). Spatial distribution and cluster analysis of risky sexual behaviours and STDs reported by Chinese adults in Guangzhou, China: a representative population-based study. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 92(4), 316–322.PubMedCrossRef
Cole, D. A., & Maxwell, S. E. (2003). Testing mediational models with longitudinal data: Questions and tips in the use of structural equation modeling. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 112(4), 558–577.PubMedCrossRef
Cooper, M., Pioli, M., Levitt, A., Talley, A., Micheas, L., & Collins, N. (2006). Attachment styles, sex motives, and sexual behavior: Evidence for gender-specific expressions and attachment dynamics. In M. Mikulincer & G. Goodman (Eds.), Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex (pp. 243–274). Guilford Press.
Cooper, M. L., Shapiro, C. M., & Powers, A. M. (1998). Motivations for sex and risky sexual behavior among adolescents and young adults: a functional perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(6), 1528–1558.PubMedCrossRef
Davis, D., Shaver, P., & Vernon, M. (2004). Attachment style and subjective motivations for sex. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(8), 1076–1090.PubMedCrossRef
Dewitte, M. (2012). Different perspectives on the sex-attachment link: Towards an emotion-motivational account. Journal of Sex Research, 49(2–3), 105–124.PubMedCrossRef
Dubé, S., Lavoie, F., Blais, M., & Hébert, M. (2017). Psychological well-being as a predictor of casual sex relationships and experiences among adolescents: a short-term prospective study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(6), 1807–1818.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
Feeney, J. A., & Noller, P. (1996). Adult attachment (Vol. 14). Sage.
Feeney, J. A., Noller, P., & Patty, J. (1993). Adolescent’s interactions with the opposite sex: Influence of attachment style and gender. Journal of Adolescence, 16(2), 169–186.PubMedCrossRef
Fielder, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2010a). Prevalence and characteristics of sexual hookups among first-semester female college students. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 36(4), 346–359.CrossRef
Fielder, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2010b). Predictors and consequences of sexual “hookups” among college students: a short-term prospective study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(5), 1105–1119.PubMedCrossRef
Fielder, R. L., Walsh, J. L., Carey, K. B., & Carey, M. P. (2013). Predictors of sexual hookups: a theory-based, prospective study of first-year college women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(8), 1425–1441.PubMedCrossRef
Garcia, J. R., & Reiber, C. (2008). Hook-up behavior: a biopsychosocial perspective. Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 2(4), 192.CrossRef
Garneau, C., Olmstead, S. B., Pasley, K., & Fincham, F. D. (2013). The role of family structure and attachment in college student hookups. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(8), 1473–1486.PubMedCrossRef
Gentzler, A. L., & Kerns, K. A. (2004). Associations between insecure attachment and sexual experiences. Personal Relationships, 11(2), 249–265.CrossRef
Gewirtz-Meydan, A., & Finzi-Dottan, R. (2018). Sexual satisfaction among couples: the role of attachment orientation and sexual motives. The Journal of Sex Research, 55(2), 178–190.PubMedCrossRef
Gillath, O., & Schachner, D. A. (2006). Sex and love: Goals, motives, and strategies: How do sexuality and attachment interact? In M. Mikulincer & G. S. Goodman (Eds.), Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex (pp. 337–355). Guilford Press.
Hayes, A. F. (2013). Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: a regression-based approach. Guilford Press.
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511–524.PubMedCrossRef
Huang, Y. L., Yu, B., Yang, S. F., Lai, W. H., Tian, C. H., & Yang, S. J. (2020). Sex behavior characteristics of MSM students with casual partners and the relationship with social norms. Chinese Journal of AIDS & STD, 2, 175–178.
Huang, Y. Y., & Pan, S. M. (2011). An analysis of the changes of Chinese women’s multi-partner sexual behavior in the 21st century. China Youth Study, 3, 58–63.
Impett, E. A., Gordon, A. M., & Strachman, A. (2008). Attachment and daily sexual goals: a study of dating couples. Personal Relationships, 15(3), 375–390.CrossRef
Jiang, J. P., Jiang, F. L., Yang, X. W., & Wu, W. (2018). The difference of gender and sexual experience on the knowledge and attitude of one-night stand among university students. Health Medicine Research and Practice, 1, 10–17.
Kalichman, S. C., Sarwer, D. B., Johnson, J. R., Ali, S. A., Early, J., & Tuten, J. T. (1994). Sexually coercive behavior and love styles: a replication and extension. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 6(1), 93–106.CrossRef
Kenney, S. R., Lac, A., Hummer, J. F., & LaBrie, J. W. (2014). Development and validation of the Hookup Motives Questionnaire (HMQ). Psychological Assessment, 26(4), 1127–1137.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
Lewis, M. A., Atkins, D. C., Blayney, J. A., Dent, D. V., & Kaysen, D. L. (2013). What is hooking up? Examining definitions of hooking up in relation to behavior and normative perceptions. Journal of Sex Research, 50(8), 757–766.PubMedCrossRef
Lewis, M. A., Granato, H., Blayney, J. A., Lostutter, T. W., & Kilmer, J. R. (2012). Predictors of hooking up sexual behaviors and emotional reactions among U.S. College students. Archives of Sex Behavior, 41(5), 1219–1229.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2003). The attachment behavioral system in adulthood: Activation, psychodynamics, and interpersonal processes. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (pp. 53–152). Academic Press.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. Guilford Press.
Montes, K. S., Blanco, L., & LaBrie, J. W. (2017). The relationship between perceived hookup attitudes and negative hookup consequences: Do perceived attitudes of close friends matter? The Journal of Sex Research, 54(9), 1128–1140.PubMedCrossRef
Napper, L. E., Montes, K. S., Kenney, S. R., & LaBrie, J. W. (2015). Assessing the personal negative impacts of hooking up experienced by college students: Gender differences and mental health. The Journal of Sex Research, 53(7), 766–775.PubMedCrossRef
Ng, M. L. (1993). Public responses to the sex education series of Radio-Television Hong Kong. Journal of Sex Education & Therapy, 19(1), 64–72.CrossRef
Owen, J., & Fincham, F. D. (2011). Young adults’ emotional reactions after hooking up encounters. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 321–330.PubMedCrossRef
Owen, J., Quirk, K., & Fincham, F. (2014). Toward a more complete understanding of reactions to hooking up among college women. Journal of Sex Marital & Therapy, 40(5), 396–409.CrossRef
Owen, J., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2010). “Hooking up” among college students: Demographic and psychosocial correlates. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(3), 653–663.PubMedCrossRef
Pan, S. M., & Huang, Y. Y. (2012). Relationship between sexual practices online and offline—population-based survey among 14–61 year old Chinese people. Academics, (1), 101–108+285.
Patrick, M. E., & Lee, C. M. (2010). Sexual motivations and engagement in sexual behavior during the transition to college. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(3), 674–681.PubMedCrossRef
Patrick, M. E., Maggs, J. L., Cooper, M. L., & Lee, C. M. (2011). Measurement of motivations for and against sexual behavior. Assessment, 18(4), 502–516.PubMedCrossRef
Paul, E. L., McManus, B., & Hayes, A. (2000). “Hookups”: Characteristics and correlates of college students’ spontaneous and anonymous sexual experiences. Journal of Sex Research, 37(1), 76–88.CrossRef
Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2011). Gender differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors: a review of meta-analytic results and large datasets. The Journal of Sex Research, 48(2–3), 149–165.PubMedCrossRef
Schachner, D. A., & Shaver, P. R. (2004). Attachment dimensions and sexual motives. Personal Relationships, 11(2), 179–195.CrossRef
Schneider, M. E., & Katz, J. (2017). Adult attachment and heterosexual college women’s hookup behaviors: Mediating effects of sexual motives. Sex Roles, 77(5–6), 419–429.CrossRef
Shaver, P. R., & Hazan, C. (1988). A biased overview of the study of love. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 5(4), 473–501.CrossRef
Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment-related psychodynamics. Attachment & Human, 4(2), 133–161.CrossRef
Snapp, S., Lento, R., Ryu, E., & Rosen, K. S. (2014). Why do they hook up? Attachment style and motives of college students. Personal Relationships, 21(3), 468–481.CrossRef
Stefanou, C., & McCabe, M. P. (2012). Adult attachment and sexual functioning: a review of past research. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(10), 2499–2507.PubMedCrossRef
Tracy, J. L., Shaver, P. R., Albino, A. W., & Cooper, M. L. (2003). Adolescent styles and adolescent sexuality. In P. Florsheim (Ed.), Adolescent romance and sexual behavior: Theory, research, and practical implications (pp. 137–159). Erlbaum.
Vrangalova, Z. (2015). Does casual sex harm college students’ well-being? A longitudinal investigation of the role of motivation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(4), 945–959.PubMedCrossRef
Wade, L., & Heldman, C. (2012). Hooking up and opting out. In Sex for life (pp. 128–145). New York University Press.
Wei, M., Russell, D. W., Mallinckrodt, B., & Vogel, D. L. (2007). The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR)-short form: Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 88(2), 187–204.PubMedCrossRef
Wu, W., Carroll, I. A., & Chen, P. Y. (2018). A single-level random-effects cross-lagged panel model for longitudinal mediation analysis. Behavior Research Method, 50(5), 2111–2124.CrossRef
Xu, W., Zheng, Y., & Kaufman, M. R. (2018). Predictors of recent HIV testing among Chinese men who have sex with men: a barrier perspective. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 32(10), 408–417.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
Yu, K., & Zheng, Y. (2020). Sexting and emotional reactions to hooking up among Chinese college students: Moderated mediation effects of loneliness and number of hookup partners. Personality and Individual Differences, 167, 110252.CrossRef
Zhang, K., & Beck, E. J. (1999). Changing sexual attitudes and behaviour in China: Implications for the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS Care, 11(5), 581–589.PubMedCrossRef
Zhang, Q., Wang, L. J., & Bergeman, C. S. (2018). Multilevel autoregressive mediation models: Specification, estimation, and applications. Psychological Methods, 23(2), 278–297.PubMedCrossRef
Zhao, L. L., & Hao, Z. H. (2019). Reliability and validity of the experiences in close relationships scale-the Chinese short version in Chinese adults. Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science, 8, 755–759.
Zuo, X., Lou, C., Gao, E., Cheng, Y., Niu, H., & Zabin, L. S. (2012). Gender differences in adolescent premarital sexual permissiveness in three Asian cities: Effects of gender-role attitudes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50(3), 18–25.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
A Short-Term Longitudinal Investigation of Insecure Attachments and Hooking Up Among Chinese College Students
Authors
Ke Yu
Dongfang Yu
Renhui Zhou
Publication date
29-07-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00753-4

Other articles of this Issue 4/2022

Sexuality Research and Social Policy 4/2022 Go to the issue

OriginalPaper

Towards a Transnational Sexual Health Research and Policy Agenda: the European Sexual Medicine Network Delphi Study

OriginalPaper

Queer Space: Toilet Provision, Access and Inclusion in the West Midlands

OriginalPaper

Switching to Non-daily Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Implications for Improving Knowledge, Safety, and Uptake

OriginalPaper

Sexual Identities and Reactions to Black Lives Matter

OriginalPaper

Interest in Sex Work-related Resources Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Sex Work

OriginalPaper

How Is Self-Stigma Associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Men Who Have Sex with Men? Roles of Perceived Stress and Negative Affect in a Longitudinal Study