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Development and validation of the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale
C S Martin1, M Earleywine, R E Musty
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|February 1, 1993
Summary
The Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) effectively measures stimulant and sedative effects of alcohol. This validated scale aids in understanding alcohol
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Alcohol consumption elicits both stimulant and sedative effects.
- These dual effects are believed to influence individual drinking behaviors and patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES).
- To create a reliable self-report measure for assessing alcohol's stimulant and sedative properties.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 14-item scale (BAES) with stimulant and sedative subscales.
- Administered the scale to nonalcoholic participants on ascending and descending blood alcohol curves.
- Utilized item analysis, reliability testing (Cronbach's alpha), and factor analysis for validation.
Main Results:
- The BAES demonstrated high internal consistency for both subscales (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85–0.94).
- Factor analysis confirmed the proposed two-factor structure (stimulant and sedative effects).
- Preliminary validation indicated the scale's reliability in measuring biphasic alcohol effects.
Conclusions:
- The Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) is a validated instrument for measuring alcohol's stimulant and sedative effects.
- The BAES provides a reliable tool for researchers studying alcohol's subjective effects and drinking behaviors.