Citation

Cameron JM, Heidelberg N, Simmons L, Lyle SB, Mitra-Varma K, Correia C. J. Am. Coll. Health 2010; 58(5): 499-506.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481003599096

PMID

20304762

Abstract

Objectives, Participants, Methods: Drinking game participation has increased in popularity among college students and is associated with increased alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. The current study investigated drinking game participation among 133 undergraduates attending National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) in April of 2007. Results: A large percentage of the sample reported lifetime (77%) and recent (52%) drinking game participation. Males were more likely to report recent participation and reported higher levels of consumption while playing drinking games. Drinking game participants were more likely to experience a range of alcohol-related problems, and the relationship between drinking game participation and alcohol-related problems was mediated by weekly alcohol consumption. Conclusions: These results suggest that drinking game participation is a risk factor for elevated levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Programs should be developed to educate students about the risks of drinking game participation, and prevention programs like NASD should address drinking games.

Language: en