Psychometric Properties and Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Spanish Version of the Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire Short Form among Young Adult Binge Drinkers

Abstract

Background: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance (LMI) is critically important to evaluate changes in the alcohol expectancies over time. However, few studies have yet explored the longitudinal properties of the Spanish EQ-SF. Objectives: To examine the reliability, sources of validity (structural and concurrent validity), and LMI of the Spanish short version of the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire in a sample of young adults who engage in binge drinking. Methods: The participants (n = 279; Mean age = 21.33, SD = 2.15; 48.4% female) completed the Spanish EQ-SF, and two months later they completed this measure again, along with measures to alcohol use, drinking motives, and protective behavioral strategies (PBS). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to identify which of two proposed models provided the best-fitting factor structure. We aimed to determine whether the best-fitting model was invariant across assessments and to evaluate the predictive validity and reliability of the scores. Results: Our findings revealed that the eight-factor intercorrelated model provided the best fit. This model was invariant across assessments, providing evidence for longitudinal measurement invariance. Moreover, the scores showed adequate reliability (.68 to .90) and predictive validity (i.e., positive alcohol expectancies were positively related to alcohol use and drinking motives and negatively related to PBS). Conclusion: Our results support the reliability, validity, and temporal invariance of the EQ-SF scores among Spanish young adults with binge drinking patterns. The evidence supports the suitability of this measure for accurately assessing changes in alcohol expectancies over time in interventions aimed at preventing binge drinking in young adults.