MODIFYING ALCOHOL-RELATED EXPECTANCIES IN GRADE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Expectancies for reinforcement from alcohol appear to form during the grade-school years and play a causal role in problem drinking behavior . Using a sample of 268 second through fourth graders, we investigated whether children's expectancies could be modified successfully. Child ren were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: two experimental expectancy modification conditions (using 10-minute video interventio ns), one control condition involving a 10-minute video presenting fact s concerning alcohol's deleterious effects, and one no-intervention co ntrol condition. Relative to controls, expectancies were increased by one experimental condition and decreased by the other; these changes w ere sustained at 4-week follow-up. This suggests expectancy modificati on should be tested as an adjunct to current prevention programs. Rela tions of gender and family history of problem drinking or alcoholism t o expectancy endorsement are described.