The relation of alcohol expectancies to drinking patterns among alcoholics: generalization across gender and race

Results of laboratory and psychometric research indicate that beliefs about the behavioral effects of alcohol are related to patterns of alcohol use and abuse. These findings also suggest that expectancy-drinking behavior associations are moderated by several variables, such as gender. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the correspondence of alcohol-related expectancies and drinking patterns was different for black and white men and women undergoing residential treatment for alcoholism using a hierarchical multiple regression algorithm. Relatively few gender- or race-specific expectancy-drinking behavior relations were found, and most of these were identified for beliefs that alcohol enhances sexuality and induces relaxation. Expectations that alcohol improves sociability and elevates mood were the best predictors of multiple, negative drinking-related consequences of drinking for all subjects.