Single-session expectancy challenge with young heavy drinkers on holiday

Abstract

Expectancy challenges (ECs) were used to change alcohol expectancies and alcohol consumption in young heavy drinking men (age 16–24) on holiday. The intervention took place in community centers and bars. Alcohol expectancies and consumption were assessed with paper and pencil measures prior to the intervention (N = 301) and 2 days afterwards (EC: n = 178; controls: n = 86). Six weeks after the EC, participants were interviewed by telephone (EC: n = 163; controls: n = 71). The intervention resulted in an increase in sedation expectancies in the EC group. Furthermore, the EC led to a differential reduction in alcohol consumption on a night out at the six-week posttest in the heaviest drinkers only. The reduction in alcohol consumption on a night out was not mediated by the change in sedation expectancies. These findings suggest that further research on the mechanisms of change is necessary before a single-session EC may be used in a real-life prevention setting.