"I'd like to think I'm the same no matter what:" A qualitative exploration of alcohol and condom use in college-age couples Pubblico

Stokfisz, Andrea Lynn (2011)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/kk91fk997?locale=it
Published

Abstract

"I'd like to think I'm the same no matter what:" A qualitative exploration of alcohol and
condom use in college-age couples
By Andrea Stokfisz


Introduction: There is a gap in knowledge between studies of single college students (or
coupled students in studies without their partners) and studies focused on both members
of the couple. Thus, this research seeks to explore the themes that arise when college
couples are asked about their changes in birth control methods and alcohol use as a
relationship develops, how alcohol may influence sexual risk-taking, and whether or not
alcohol plays any role in selecting a method of birth control/STI protection.


Theoretical Framework: Alcohol Myopia Theory and Dual Processing

Methods: Ten people, age 18-23 in five couples from Emory University and the Georgia
Institute of Technology were recruited for in-depth interviews separate from their
partners. Answers were transcribed and coded for recurring themes.


Results: Many risk behaviors lend themselves well to fitting in with alcohol myopia
theory and especially dual processing (since dual processing does not have to involve
alcohol). Some birth control/STI protection and alcohol changes occur across the course
of relationships, but for a wide variety of factors not always directly connected to the
relationship. Nobody claimed that alcohol played any role in selecting a method of birth control or STI protection.

Conclusion: Three themes recurred, those of trust, serious monogamy early in the
relationship, and mixed feelings towards alcohol and its relationship to sex. STI
prevention was never prioritized above pregnancy prevention.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Background………………………………………………………………………………..1
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1

Emory University………………………………………………………………….4

Emory University Health Data…………………………………………………….4

Research Questions………………………………………………………………..5

Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………...……….6


Alcohol Myopia Theory…………………………………………………...6


Dual Processing…………………………………………………………...7
Literature Review………………………………………………………………………….9

Drinking Among College Students………………………………………………..9

Condom Use Among College Students………..………………………………...11

Couples of College Age………………………………………………………….12

Sexual Risk and Alcohol Use/Disinhibition……………………………………..14

Risk Assessment and Teens/Early 20s Brains…………………………..……….15

Influence of Sexual Arousal on Decision-Making……………………………….17
Methods……………………………………………………………….………………….18

Target Population…………….…………………………………………………..18

Study Inclusion Criteria……………………….…………………………………18

Recruitment………………………………………………………………………18

Sample Size………………………………………………………………………19

Procedures………………………………………………………..………………19


Questions/Data Collection Instrument……..…………………………….19


Interviews…………………………………………………………..…….19


Analysis/Coding……………………...…………………………………..20

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