Sexual Relationships on Holiday: A Case of Situational Disinhibition?

Abstract

A survey of 1033 single tourists, aged 16-29 years, visiting a seaside resort in southwest England, indicated that self-reported sexual behaviour was related to various attitudes concerning the forming of new relationships and the differentiation of holiday from home environments. Whereas 43.2 percent reported having had no sexual contact since arriving on holiday, 32.6 percent reported having engaged in sexual activity but not intercourse, and 24.2 percent reported having had intercourse with one or more new partners. Males reported higher rates of contact and intercourse than females. These groups were compared on scores derived from a factor analysis of attitude statements concerning relationship formation and holiday activities. Higher levels of sexual activity were associated with approval of casual sex, with males scoring higher on this factor than females. Sexual activity was also related, especially among females, to higher scores on a factor representing situational disinhibition, e.g. feeling like a `different person' on holiday. Among those who reported having had intercourse (with a previously unknown partner), a worryingly high proportion (73.4% of males and 49.3% of females) reported that this occurred without the protection of a condom. Females, but not males, who held more `disinhibited' attitudes were more likely to use condoms. Males, but not females, were more likely to use condoms if they believed the relationship might continue. A belief that condoms reduced sexual pleasure for women was associated with non-use, especially among women. The findings are discussed in relation to concepts of self-consistency and goals within personal relationships.