Alcohol expectancies, risk identification, and secondary prevention with problem drinkers

Abstract

Alcohol-related expectancies are associated with drinker status and alcohol-related problems, but their contribution to the maintenance of drinking and their role in behavior change have yet to be determined. Goals of the present research were: (a) to assess the impact that participation in a secondary prevention program might have on drinking-related outcome and efficacy expectancies; and (b) to evaluate whether changes in drinking were associated with changes in expectancies. Despite significant decreases in drinking levels as a result of participation in the prevention program, neither outcome nor efficacy expectancies changed accordingly. Several methodological and theoretical issues are discussed in relation to these findings. The role of expectancy change as a necessary precondition for change in drinking behavior is questioned.