Conceptualizations of Hooking Up Among Male Soldiers: A Qualitative Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Hooking up is an impersonal sexual interaction, differing from sexual activity that occurs in the context of a committed relationship. Hookup behavior has been widely studied among college populations; however, this type of sexual behavior has yet to be explored in a military population. METHODS: The current study conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 male soldiers with high-risk drinking habits to explore conceptualizations of hooking up. Interviews were systematically coded and analyzed via thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: (1) definitions of hookups, (2) descriptions of why hookups occur, (3) how hookups occur (ie, the social context of hookups), (4) factors that facilitate hookups, and (5) differences between hookups and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that perceptions of hookups among participants who were male soldiers are generally consistent with college populations, with some varying aspects.