Table 2.
Definitions for Themes and Subthemes
| Reason For | Considering having sex because of… |
|---|---|
| Sexual desire | … interest in or wanting to, with a focus on cognitions and emotions |
| Coping motives | … a desire to regulate negative emotions |
| Sexual arousal | … physiological arousal in response to sex-related stimuli or anticipated sexual pleasure |
| Relationship | … past, current, or future experiences specifically with Michael |
| Past history with partner | … sexual precedence and history specific to Michael |
| Current experiences on the date | … experiences with Michael that night |
| Future relationship potential | … the potential that sex could facilitate growth in the relationship with Michael |
| Heat of the moment | … a focus on the here-and-now, including the proximal “hot state” of alcohol intoxication |
| Risk consideration | … a perception of low risk |
| Reason Against | Considering not having sex because concerned about… |
| Health risks | … potential health-related consequences |
| Condom | … condom (non-)availability |
| Sexually transmitted infection | … acquiring an STI or HIV |
| Birth control or pregnancy | … unintended pregnancy |
| Sexual history and communication | … lack of discussion around sexual history (including recent STI testing) |
| Not having a condom changed things | … Michael’s character after learning he did not have a condom |
| Relationship | … the context of the relationship with Michael |
| Current relationship | … not knowing Michael or where the relationship stands |
| Future relationship potential | … how sex would impact where the relationship goes from here |
| Alcohol | … drinking negatively influencing the sexual situation |
| Emotions | … emotions affecting decisions or emotional consequences |
| It can wait | … a lack of desire or practical considerations |
| Societal concerns | … stigma against women who have casual sex |