Binge drinking, alcohol expectancies and unplanned sexual behaviour: an exploration of gender differences

This study explored gender differences in binge drinking, alcohol expectancies and unplanned sexual behaviour (USB). N = 92 (49 females) University students completed the Alcohol Use Questionnaire (AUQ), the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ), and a Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) exploring believes and feelings around USB. Based on the ACQ, the sample was divided into binge drinkers (N=46) and non-binge drinkers (N=46). Males reported significantly higher weekly alcohol consumption; there were no gender differences in binge drinking score, age of first drink, age when they first got drank, frequency of USB and the extent to which alcohol played a role. Females scored significantly higher on the “Negative self- perception” scale of the AEQ. Correlation analysis suggest that alcohol expectancies influence USB differently in males and females, for example, Liquid Courage was significantly positively associated with times of USB in males but not in females. MANOVA analysis showed that in comparison to males, females thought that USB was less socially acceptable; they also had a stronger belief that they would have made a different decision if not under the influence of alcohol. There was a significant interaction between gender and binge group: in the non-binge group, females were more concerned about other peoples’ opinion regarding their USB; there was no significant difference in the binge group. In conclusion, although drinking patterns and USB were similar in males and females, associated feelings and beliefs differed in line with traditional social expectations; policies should take these into account when designing interventions for young people