Hookup behaviors among Latina emerging adults: the role of family functioning and attachment

Abstract Hooking up has become increasingly prevalent among emerging adults. There remain valuable opportunities to understand hookup behaviors within understudied populations such as Latina women, for whom relationships with the family may play an important role. The goal of this study was to examine the influence of family functioning and insecure attachment orientations on the hookup behaviors of Latina women in emerging adulthood ( N = 209; $$\:{M}_{age}$$ = 21 years). Results demonstrated that unhealthy family functioning and insecure attachment orientation were significant predictors of Latina emerging adults’ hookup behaviors. Additionally, insecure attachment orientation mediated the relationship between family functioning and hookup behaviors. Hookup motivations (e.g., coping motives) mediated the relationship between attachment orientations (e.g., anxious attached) and hookup behaviors. These findings can inform educational and intervention programs targeting the sexual well-being of Latina emerging adults.