Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:05
A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers
Published on: January 5, 2018
The Positive Drinking Consequences Questionnaire (PDCQ): validation of a new assessment tool
William R Corbin1, Meghan E Morean, Damon Benedict
1Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. William.corbin@yale.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|July 10, 2007
Summary
Researchers developed a new tool to measure positive drinking consequences, finding they are distinct from expectations and uniquely linked to alcohol consumption behavior in students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Extensive research exists on negative and expected positive alcohol consequences.
- Experienced positive drinking consequences remain understudied and their distinctness is unclear.
- Existing measures may not accurately capture real-life experienced positive drinking outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a measure assessing specific, experienced positive drinking consequences.
- To determine if experienced positive consequences are distinct from positive expectancies.
- To assess the unique contribution of experienced positive consequences to drinking behavior.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Positive Drinking Consequences Questionnaire (PDCQ).
- Principal components analysis was used to analyze the PDCQ structure.
- Data collected from 423 undergraduate students via an online survey.
Main Results:
- The PDCQ demonstrated a single-factor structure with strong internal and split-half reliability.
- The PDCQ showed discriminant validity from positive expectancy measures.
- The PDCQ provided incremental validity in predicting drinking behavior.
Conclusions:
- The Positive Drinking Consequences Questionnaire (PDCQ) is a reliable and valid measure.
- Experienced positive drinking consequences are distinct from expectancies and uniquely associated with drinking behavior.
- The PDCQ may serve as a valuable tool for future research and clinical assessment in addiction studies.
