THE INFLUENCE OF BLACKOUTS ON ALCOHOL-USE EXPECTANCIES

This research explored the relationship between alcohol-induced blacko uts and alcohol expectancies in 123 college students. Significant corr elations were found between students' alcohol expectancies, level of a lcohol abuse, and blackout history. Students who experienced blackouts (38.6%) had significantly higher positive alcohol expectancies than t hose without blackouts. We found that positive and negative expectanci es were positively correlated among the no-blackout group, but negativ ely correlated among the blackout group. A possible implication of thi s finding is that the decisional balance involved in drinking versus n or drinking among students with blackouts may be more difficult to aff ect through education and therapy than previously thought.