How Men and Women Love and Are Effected by Casual Sex: An Exploration of College Students Across Sexual Orientation

This study explored the differences between the ways that men and women love and are affected by casual sex. Previous research among heterosexual college students suggests that women experience elevated depression and other psychological distress after engaging in casual sexual relationships. For men, however, the level of psychological distress has been found to be unaffected or lowered by engagement in casual sex. Previous research among heterosexual college students has additionally suggested gender differences in the perceived appropriateness of casual sex indicating that college men view casual sex as status enhancing whereas women view casual sex as detrimental to reputation. As a possible explanation for these phenomena, this study explored differences between the way in which men and women love, based upon John Lee's Love Styles (1988). Of Lee's Love Style's, Ludus is a "game playing" love. Ludic lovers believe that there are plenty of fish in the sea, and do not want to limit themselves to one sexual partner. Previous research has shown that men tend to endorse a Ludic love style, while women show an adverse reaction to this type of love. Previous research has shown that this gender difference in attitude is additionally prevalent within the gay and lesbian populations. The current study hypothesized that gay and lesbian college students would experience similar gender differences in endorsement of love style and psychological effects of casual sex. One hundred forty four gay and lesbian college students completed an Internet survey. Participants were asked about past sexual behavior, love style endorsement, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Contrary to the research hypotheses, there were no gender differences in the endorsement of love style or psychological effects of casual sex. Possibilities for incongruence with previous research among the gay and lesbian community were explored.