Sexual Risk: The Association with Alcohol Use and Intragroup Marginalization

During emerging adulthood, one might be at increased risk for engaging in deleterious behaviors (i.e., drinking, unsafe sex) as a form of identity exploration. Furthermore, emerging adults can also be sensitive to perceived slights such as intragroup marginalization. The present study assessed the relationship among sexual risk, alcohol use, and intragroup marginalization. College students (N = 509, 76% female) completed an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, sexual risk, alcohol use, and intragroup marginalization. Five hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to assess the moderative effect of intragroup marginalization on the associations among alcohol use and uncommitted, risky, impulsive, intent to engage in risky, and anal sex. Intragroup marginalization moderated the relationship between alcohol use and anal sex which indicates those more sensitive to perceived slights may be more likely to practice unsafe anal sex. Prospective studies are warranted to further assess the role of intragroup marginalization and heterosexual anal sex.