The Relationship Among Alcohol Consumption, Tailgating, and Negative Consequences

Abstract

Tailgating has been associated with both problem drinking and high-risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine if student participation in game day on-campus tailgating activities is associated with increased alcohol consumption. Employing a convenience sample of 567 university students, the authors compared the alcohol use patterns of students who participated in tailgating activities with students who did not. Survey results indicate that tailgating is positively associated (p < .05) with increased drinking and greater high-risk behaviors for college students. Implications for practice and future research are highlighted.

KEYWORDS:

• binge drinking
• college students
• negative consequences
• tailgating