The relationship between alcohol expectancies and drinking restraint in treatment seeking alcohol dependent patients.
The allied psychological drinking constructs of alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint have shown considerable promise, both independently and in combination, in understanding problematic drinking. However, previous research examining the relationship between these two constructs has only occurred in pre-dependent, convenience samples. This study examined the role of both alcohol expectancies and drinking restraint in an alcohol dependent sample. 143 DSM-IV alcohol dependent participants (93 males, 50 females) completed measures of drinking restraint (Temptation and Restraint Inventory, TRI) and alcohol expectancy (Drinking Expectancy Profile, DEP), along with quantity and frequency of consumption and dependence severity (Alcohol Dependence Scale, ADS). The results showed that although alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint do share common underlying properties, there was unique variance attributed to the prediction of dependence severity and consumption. The results also failed to replicate the drinking restraint model observed in non-clinical samples. It was concluded that alcohol expectancy and drinking restraint models appear to show superior utility in pre-dependent populations. The implications of these findings in refining social cognitive models of alcohol misuse are discussed, with a particular focus on prevention.
Connor
Jason P
JP
Division of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Mental Health Building, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4102. Jason.Connor@uq.edu.au
Gudgeon
Elea T
ET
Young
Ross McD
RM
Saunders
John B
JB
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013695:Temperance