Development and Validation of the Endorsement of the Hookup Culture Index

Abstract

Although researchers have examined the predictors and outcomes of the behavioral aspect of "hooking up," typically defined as casual, commitment-free sexual encounters, research has not yet examined the extent to which young people endorse the culture associated with hooking up. Based on the argument that there is a set of understood rules and assumptions associated with hooking up, this article describes the development of an instrument to measure college students' endorsement of the hookup culture. Results from two studies found that five factors represent endorsement of the hookup culture: (a) a belief that hooking up is harmless and best without emotional commitment, (b) a belief that hooking up is fun, (c) a belief that hooking up will enhance one's status in one's peer group, (d) a belief that hooking up allows one to assert control over one's sexuality, and (e) a belief that hooking up is a reflection of one's sexual freedom. The index also had acceptable internal reliability, and performed well on the tests of construct validity. Taken together, the results suggest that the Endorsement of the Hookup Culture Index is suitable for use by researchers interested in the social phenomenon of hooking up.

Casual sexual relationships: Identifying definitions for one night stands, booty calls, fuck buddies, and friends with benefits

“…Other researchers have also noted that personal experience is not necessary to endorse the rules and practices that guide behaviour in the context of casual sex (e.g., Aubrey & Smith, 2013). For individuals who choose not to personally experiment with CSRs, vicarious learning opportunities may provide the necessary exposure to understand the different ''rules'' associated with CSRs.…”

Simmering on the Back Burner: Communication with and Disclosure of Relationship Alternatives

“…However, we do not know what sample characteristics are driving this prevalence rate. Perhaps the rates were so high because this sample consisted of undergraduates, who have popularized the hookup=casual sex culture (e.g., Aubrey & Smith, 2013;Garcia et al, 2012;Grello, Welsh, & Harper, 2006;Grello, Welsh, Harper, & Dickson, 2003;Townsend & Wasserman, 2011). However, it is also possible that drastic increases in usage of computer-mediated communication technologies (Hampton et al, 2011;Lenhart et al, 2010;Smith, 2011) have facilitated communication with back burners.…”

Facebook fired: Legal perspectives and young adults’ opinions on the use of social media in hiring and firing decisions

“…Finally, we explored a variable that reflects acceptance of one of the normative values of modern young adult culture-endorsement of the hookup culture (Aubrey & Smith, 2013). According to Aubrey and Smith (2013), those who endorse the hookup culture do not believe that young adulthood is a time for commitment; instead, they embrace the fun, sexually-free nature of the life stage, and they engage in sexual hookups to attain status and/or maintain control.…”

“…According to Aubrey and Smith (2013), those who endorse the hookup culture do not believe that young adulthood is a time for commitment; instead, they embrace the fun, sexually-free nature of the life stage, and they engage in sexual hookups to attain status and/or maintain control. Therefore, like those low in self-control, they may have engaged in more potentially damaging behaviors that could have been posted online.…”

“…Attitudes towards the modern-day hookup culture were measured with the 20-item Endorsement of the Hookup Culture Index (EHCI; Aubrey & Smith, 2013). Participants indicated their agreement with statements such as ''Hooking up is not a big deal'' on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree).…”