Some women more prone to casual ‘hook-ups’ than others, study finds

A new study has found what most of us knew all along: that some people are more prone to "hooking-up" than others.

Researchers found that casual sexual encounters were increasing on college campuses and there are certain factors that make one more prone to them.

Scientists insist knowing why women in particular hook-up casually in college is important.

"Given the potential for negative emotional and physical health outcomes as a result of sexual hookups, including unplanned pregnancy and depression, it is important to identify the factors that influence hookup behavior," said study author Robyn L. Fielder, of the Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, in a statement.

The study looked at 483 female students entering their first-year university studies. They were asked about everything from their sexual history to their religious beliefs to their drug use.

Researchers followed up with the women over eight months.

The gist of the findings: that young women are more likely to have casual sexual encounters if they had done it before and, oddly, if they had used marijuana in the past.

"Our findings suggest hooking up during the first year of college is influenced by pre-college hookups, personality, behavioral intentions, the social and situational context, family background and substance use patterns – particularly marijuana use," said Fielder.

"That's why the transition to college is an important time for health care professionals to provide sexual health information and resources to help women make informed choices."

The study was published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.