Correlates of alcohol expectancies in adolescence

Background: Positive expectations of the effects of alcohol are an important risk factor for problematic drinking behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate multiple risk indicators for positive alcohol expectancies (AE) in adolescence. Method: We assessed 311 adolescents (12-18 years) from a general population sample with regard to their family history of alcoholism (FHalc), behavioral problems, membership in a substance-using peer group, and positive AE. Results: Children with a FHalc showed stronger positive AE if they also had behavioral problems (odds ratio (OR) 6.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-32.6). Adolescents with aggressive/delinquent behavior reported higher positive AE with respect to tension reduction (OR 2.0; CI 1.1-3.6) and social competence (OR 2:3; CI 1.3-4.3), while membership in a substance-using peer group was associated with social/physical pleasure (OR 2.3; CI 1.4-3.7) and social expressiveness (OR 2.0; CI 1.1-3.6). Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs should include adolescents from high-risk groups and must consider individual as well as environmental factors, including the family and peer group.