A comparison of factor structures of adolescent and adult alcohol effect expectancies

The factor structures of alcohol effect expectancies in adolescents aged 12-17 years and adults aged 18 years and older are studied and compared. Discrepancies are minimized by using the same sampling frame, which includes assessment of positive and negative expectancies for all age groups. The pattern and magnitude of the loadings on the sets of factors for the participants are compared. The results are consistent with a two-factor model, positive and negative, of alcohol expectations, varying only in the adolescents' belief in alcohol's effect on sexual behavior.