Drinking games among university students in five countries: Participation rates, game type, contexts, and motives to play

Most published studies, regarding students’ participation in drinking games (DGs), originate from the United States of America (USA). This study extends research to Kingdom (UK) and countries mainland Europe. University students five completed an anonymous online questionnaire which included measures frequency DG participation, along with types, contexts motives for participation. Responses are compared by gender, country domicile participants. The is based on results administered 306 Social Work universities/countries 72.2% females, a mean age 22.6 years. Austria, Germany, Netherlands, UK USA. A high proportion students, irrespective or domicile, stated that they participated DGs. To ‘meet people’ ‘to get drunk’ most important reasons Less benign motives, ‘control others’ ‘get other people drunk’, reported as ‘not important’. common types DGs were consumption team pre-partying involved associated consequences show targets alcohol harm minimization interventions. Harm minimization/public health messages safer need recognize younger often feel immortal do not fully appreciate risks adverse effects drink have fun be sociable.