Perceived Sexual Benefits of Alcohol Use among Recent High School Graduates: Longitudinal Associations with Drinking Behavior and Consequences

In this research study of 153 college-bound students, perceived sexual benefits of alcohol use were associated with greater drinking and related consequences during the senior year of high school and freshman year of college. Perceived benefits predicted drinking outcomes during fall after adjustment for gender, sensation seeking, parental education, and the corresponding outcome in high school. Inadequately addressed concerns about sexual pleasure may lead to high-risk drinking among subsets of youth. Sexuality education programs delivered in high school should address concerns about sexual pleasure and highlight advantages of refraining from alcohol use with respect to developing healthy and satisfying relationships.