From the bar to the bed via mobile phone: A first test of the role of problematic alcohol use, sexting, and impulsivity-related traits in sexual hookups

Computer-mediated sexting behaviors, problematic alcohol use, and sexual hookups are prevalent among college populations. While relationships between sexting and alcohol, and sexting and sex have been established, the potential role of sexting as a mediator between alcohol use and hookups is unknown. The study provides the first test of a causal, temporal model in which (1) sexting mediates the relationship between problematic alcohol use and sexual hookups; and (2) impulsivity-related traits and alcohol-related expectancies predict problematic alcohol use and sexting.ResultsIn a college sample, (N = 611; M(SD)age = 21.4 (4.18); 77.3% female), a causal path model using structural equation modeling indicated that: (1) Problematic alcohol use (b = .05, p < .001) and sexting (b = .14, p < .05) were related to sexual hookups; (2) sensation seeking and negative urgency were related to problematic alcohol use (b = .96, p < .001, b = .60, p < .05) and sexting (b = .11, p < .05, b = .12, p < .001); and (3) problematic alcohol use was indirectly related to hookups through sexting (b = .01, p < .01).ConclusionFindings provide initial support for sexting as a partial mediator between problematic alcohol use and sexual hookups, and for the role of impulsivity-related traits and alcohol expectancies as distal predictors in this process. Findings highlight sexting as one example of the intersection between computer-mediated and human interaction.

► Sexting, alcohol use, and sex-related alcohol expectancies were involved in hookups.
► Sexting mediated the relationship between problematic alcohol use and hookups.
► Negative urgency and sensation seeking were related to alcohol use and sexting.
► Sensation seeking and negative urgency acted as distal risk factors for hookups.