The relationships between alcohol-aggression proneness, general alcohol expectancies, hazardous drinking, and alcohol-related violence in adult male prisoners

Abstract

The relationships between alcohol-aggression proneness, general alcohol outcome expectancies, hazardous drinking, and alcohol-related violence were explored in a sample of violent offenders. The hypothesized model was that alcohol expectancies and hazardous drinking would mediate the relationship between proneness to alcohol-related aggression and alcohol-related violence. Additionally, expectancies would predict drinking. Ninety-eight male prisoners were recruited, all serving sentences for violent offences of which 21 were not alcohol-related and 77 were alcohol-related. Measures were the Alcohol-Related Aggression Questionnaire (ARAQ), the Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (DEQ), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The model was empirically supported. The ARAQ, the DEQ, specifically the DEQ-Increased Confidence (DEQ-IC) scale, and the AUDIT all predict offence type. The DEQ, particularly the DEQ-IC scale, and the AUDIT, mediate the relationship between the ARAQ and offence type. The DEQ total score predicted the AUDIT score. The inclusion of all three variables (ARAQ, DEQ-IC, and AUDIT) in the model most accurately classified the participants. Implications for treatment are discussed.

Keywords:

• Alcohol expectancies
• offending
• violence

Acknowledgements

The research upon which this publication is based has been supported by funding from the NHS National Programme on Forensic Mental Health R&D. However the views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Programme or the Department of Health. Thanks are also due to Bryany Cusens for data collection.