Single-session expectancy challenge with young heavy drinkers on holiday

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Young men on holiday are at high risk for heavy alcohol consumption.
• Alcohol expectancies significantly influence drinking behavior.
• Targeting alcohol expectancies may be a viable prevention strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of expectancy challenges (ECs) in altering alcohol expectancies and reducing alcohol consumption among young heavy-drinking men.
• To explore the potential mediating role of changes in expectancies on alcohol consumption.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed with young men (age 16-24) on holiday.
• Participants received a single-session EC intervention in community centers and bars.
• Alcohol expectancies and consumption were assessed pre-intervention, 2 days post-intervention, and 6 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The EC intervention led to increased sedation expectancies in the intervention group.
• A significant reduction in alcohol consumption on a night out was observed at 6 weeks, but only among the heaviest drinkers.
• The reduction in alcohol consumption was not mediated by changes in sedation expectancies.

Conclusions:

• A single-session EC intervention shows potential for reducing alcohol consumption in specific subgroups of young heavy drinkers.
• The mechanisms underlying the observed reduction in alcohol consumption require further investigation.
• More research is needed before widespread implementation of ECs in real-life prevention settings.