Examining the factor structure of the Motives for Playing Drinking Games measure among Australian university students

Abstract

Introduction and aims: Given the prevalence of drinking games among university students and the health risks associated with playing drinking games, it is important to consider motivations for participation. The psychometric properties of the Motives for Playing Drinking Games (MPDG) measure have been examined among US college student samples, but mixed findings have been reported regarding the number of factors in the measure. This is the first study to examine the factor structure and applicability of the MPDG measure among a sample of Australian university students.

Design and methods: University students (N = 254; aged 18-46 years; 62% female) with prior drinking experience completed an online survey which included questions pertaining to demographics, drinking game frequency and consumption, drinking game consequences and the MPDG measure.

Results: Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the originally proposed 8-factors within the MPDG measure were problematic in the current sample and a revised 7-factor solution was preferred. Analyses examining the relations of the revised 7 MPDG factors with drinking game behaviours (e.g. gaming-specific consequences and amount consumed during play) highlighted the importance of some MPDG (enhancement/thrills, conformity and sexual pursuit motives).

Discussion and conclusions: While the MPDG measure shows promise for assessing drinking game-specific motives, the need to consider the applicability of MPDG subscales across different samples was apparent.

Keywords: alcohol consumption; drinking games; drinking motives; university students.