The Impact of Alcohol-Specific and Traditional Masculine Norms on Drinking Game Behaviors: A Multisite Study of Emerging Adult Men

Playing a drinking game (DG) can provide a context for men to behave in accordance with endorsed masculine norms. Using a multisite college sample of emerging adult men ( n = 1142), we examined alcohol-specific masculine norms ( excess / control ) alongside traditional masculine norms and their relations to DG frequency and quantity, and the moderating effects of fraternity membership and hazardous drinking status on these associations. After adjusting for known demographic correlates of DG behaviors and non-DG-related alcohol use, we found that the masculine drinking norm of excess was positively associated with DG frequency, with the effect being primarily driven by this association among fraternity men. Excess was unrelated to DG quantity when accounting for covariates. Control was negatively associated with DG frequency but was unrelated to DG quantity; neither fraternity membership nor hazardous drinking status moderated these associations. Our findings further our theoretical understanding of how masculinity relates to DG behaviors among emerging adults.