Pregaming is an event or gathering that involves alcohol consumption that takes place before another event where further drinking occurs. It is widespread among college students, and it is estimated that over 50% of students have engaged in pregaming in the past 30 days. Pregaming has a high risk for negative alcohol-related consequences. Some examples of negative alcohol-related consequences college students might experience could be academic problems, interpersonal problems, blackouts, and more. This study examines variability in how pregaming motives, social anxiety, and depression are associated with past 30-day pregaming variables.
This study was done using a latent profile analysis. It consisted of 485 students between the ages of 18 and 24. All participants were full-time undergraduate students and reported pregaming at least four times in the past month. Data was collected in the Fall semester of 2021 at a large private university on the West Coast. Pregaming motives, pregaming behaviors, pregaming consequences, social anxiety, depression, and demographics were all measured. There were four separate profiles of mental health and pregaming motives. (1) mild/moderate social anxiety and depression symptoms, moderate motives; (2) minimal social anxiety and depression symptoms, low motives (3) subclinical/elevated social anxiety and depression symptoms, high motives; and (4) clinically elevated social anxiety and depression symptoms, moderate motives.
Results showed social anxiety and pregaming motives were associated with more frequent pregaming. At the same time, social anxiety and depression were associated with more significant negative consequences. These findings support existing literature that social anxiety and social motives are additional risks for consumption motives during pregaming drinking. There is a significant correlation between mental health, motives and pregaming, and it is a vital area for future targeted interventions for heavy-drinking college students.
Takeaway: There is a significant correlation between mental health, motives and pregaming, and it is a vital area for future targeted interventions for heavy-drinking college students.