Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectations, and Fantasies as Predictors of Alcoholics' Posttreatment Drinking

Abstract

The usefulness of distinguishing between alcoholic patients' expectations and their fantasies about treatment outcome was examined. Results at 6 and 12 months follow-up did not support the results of research with nonalcoholic participants which related better outcomes to a combination of positive expectations and negative fantasies about future drink-related situations. Higher self-efficacy expectancy at intake, however, was associated with better clinical outcome. Findings supported Bandura's (1986) contention that outcome expectations add little information on prediction beyond that explained by self-efficacy expectancy. The clinical implications of these results are discussed.

Key Words:

• Self-efficacy
• Expectations
• Fantasy
• Alcoholism