Motives and Reasons to Pre-Load Among University Students in New Zealand: A Mixed-Method Study

Byron L. Zamboanga, Amie R. Newins, Kathryne Van Hedger, Shane D. Marohnic, Jordan Ortman, Derek Heim, Rebecca L. Monk, Emma Dresler, Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Department of Psychology, Huron University, Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, School of Management and Marketing, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Emerging Adulthood

Published online on June 18, 2026

Abstract

Emerging Adulthood, Ahead of Print.
Alcohol pre-loading (predrinking/pregaming/prepartying) has been linked to alcohol-related harms. Although researchers have developed measures of pre-loading motives, less research has investigated how responses on such ‘forced choice’ measures map onto ...