Alcohol expectancies, alcohol use, and risky behavior among college students

"College students' alcohol expectancies, perceptions of risk, alcohol use, and risk behavior were examined. In line with existing research, alcohol expectancies were predicted to explain risky behavior, and risk perceptions were hypothesized to predict alcohol use. Theoretically relevant interactions were also explored. Participants completed questionnaires assessing alcohol use, risky behavior participation, alcohol expectancies, and perceptions of risk. As hypothesized, expectancies predicted alcohol use and risky behavior, but risk perceptions were not significantly related to risky behavior and marginally related to alcohol use. Nevertheless, the relationship between risk perception and alcohol use was stronger for males than females. Implications and future directions for investigation are discussed."--Abstract from author supplied metadata