Engaging in the Hookup Culture: A Self-Discrepancy Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the hypothesis that self-concept discrepancies predict engagement in casual sexual behavior, or hookups. One hundred seventy two undergraduate men and women completed questionnaires assessing their level of self-discrepancy and their hookup participation. Contrary to the study hypothesis, findings indicate that participants high in actual-ideal self-discrepancy are less likely to engage in hookups. Gender, age, and actual-ought self-discrepancy did not predict hookup culture participation. Differences between ethnic groups in hookup participation are also discussed.