The grey zone of collegiate sexual regret: questionable consent and sexual victimisation

Abstract

Research identifies sexual regret as the most common source of regret in the USA; however, few studies have explored this phenomenon. This study utilised a mixed-methods approach to explore sexual regret in a sample of 189 US college students. Quantitative analyses assessing who is most likely to experience sexual regret revealed no significant differences in experiences of sexual regret based on most demographics; however, individuals involved in fraternity and sorority life and/or college athletics were significantly more likely to report experiences of sexual regret. Additionally, students who reported experiences of sexual victimisation were more likely to report experiences of sexual regret. Qualitative analyses attempting to determine students’ reasoning for experiencing sexual regret revealed five distinct content areas: 1) altered judgement, 2) motivations, 3) partner characteristics, 4) social judgement, and 5) unsatisfying or unpleasant sexual experiences. Results from both quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrate significant overlap between experiences of sexual regret and sexual victimisation, highlighting the importance of future research and programming regarding sexual regret to increase understanding of the complex relationships between sexual consent and sexual behaviour.

Keywords:

• Sexual violence
• substance use
• university students
• sexual consequences
• regret

Disclosure statement

The authors have no interests to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by start-up funds from Lehigh University to the first author.