Alcohol-related expected effects and the desirability of these effects for Swedish college students measured with the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ).

The Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ) was administered to 400 Swedish college students to explore their alcohol-related expectancies in relation to different background variables and their rated desirability of these expected effects. For each item in the AEQ, subjects further rated to what degree the specified effect was desirable. Results indicated that men and high consumers had stronger expectancies and rated these effects as more desirable than did women and low consumers. Regardless of background variables significant positive correlations between expected effects of alcohol and the desirability of these effects were found. The strength of expectancies and the corresponding desirability ratings were both separately positively correlated with drinking habits. The discussion was focused on expectancies as causes of drinking.