Pregaming and Academic Outcomes: Differing Effects by Race and Ethnicity

• In Event: Understanding the Academic and Social Sequelae of Drug Use/misuse

Abstract

Pre-game drinking ("pregaming") among college students has been the focus of much concern, research, and debate in recent years. Research has found correlations between pregaming and alcohol-related consequences. Less research, however, has examined the academic consequences of this behavior. Moreover, because there are differences in pregaming prevalence rates by race/ethnicity, there is reason to investigate whether the consequences of such activity also differ. This study examines the racial and ethnic differences of academic outcomes of pregaming and other drinking behaviors using data from over 1,000 U.S. college students. Results suggest that pregaming and other drinking behaviors correspond to different outcomes across racial/ethnic categories.

Authors

• Elise DeCamp, Western Michigan University

• Whitney DeCamp, Western Michigan University