Motives to play drinking games and their unique associations with drinking game behaviors and consequences in a national sample of university students in the United States.

Abstract

Objective: Playing drinking games (DGs) is a common behavior among university students, which is concerning given that DG participation is related to more alcohol use/consequences. People's motivations for playing DGs are associated with certain DG behavior patterns and negative consequences. However, few studies have accounted for general drinking motives and other key covariates when examining the unique associations between DG-specific motivations and DG outcomes. The present study used a large, multisite national sample of university students in the United States to determine cross-sectional associations between DG-specific motives (e.g. sexual pursuit, enhancement/thrills, conformity) and DG frequency, quantity, and negative consequences, above and beyond relevant demographics and general drinking motives. Method: University students (N = 8922) completed a self-report survey that assessed DG-specific behaviors, consequences, and motives, as well as general drinking behaviors and motives. Results: Multivariate findings indicated that enhancement/thrills and sexual pursuit motives are the riskiest DG motives, given their association with DG frequency, quantity, and consequences. Conformity was positively associated with negative consequences while competition and boredom were positively associated with DG frequency. Social lubrication was unrelated to all outcomes. Conclusion: Enhancement/thrills, sexual pursuit, and conformity DG motives may be particularly important targets for DG-specific prevention and intervention efforts.