The Interplay Between Negative Alcohol Expectancies and Locus of Control and Its Association with Motivation to Change Alcohol Use Among Repeat Alcohol-Impaired Drivers

Bibliographic Data

ID21645667
AuthorsT J Moon (0000-0002-2941-7323, The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, corresponding author), Tae-Joon Moon (Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio), N Hill-Kapturczak (0000-0002-9736-8885, The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center), C W Mathias (0000-0003-1902-673X, Rice University), Alexander M Wasserman (0000-0001-8597-555X, University of Michigan), Erin E Wood (0000-0002-1186-8839, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), John D Roache (0000-0002-7010-8119, The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center), Donald M Dougherty (University of North Texas)
Year2025
Volume60
Issue6
Pages854-862
Publication date2025-05-12
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2025.2454665
PMID39890603
OpenAlexW4407022210
LanguageEN
References cited50

Background Alcohol-impaired driving is a costly public health problem with a high rate of recidivism.Objectives This investigation aimed to examine the associations among negative alcohol expectancies (NAE), locus of control (LoC), and motivation to reduce alcohol use among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers.Methods Fifty-nine participants with ≥ 2 previous driving under the influence (DUI) arrests were recruited from a correctional treatment facility or the community. Participants completed NAE, LoC, Motivation to Change alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders (e.g., alcohol and/or substance use disorder) assessments.Results Both proximal (β = −0.37, p = 0.022) and distal (β = −0.40, p = 0.011) NAE were negatively associated with Motivation to Change. External LoC was associated with lower Motivation to Change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers (β = −0.42, p = 0.006). The association of distal NAE with Motivation to Change was moderated by LoC (β = −0.48, p < 0.002): those with greater internal LoC had greater Motivation to Change when they focused more on distal NAE, whereas those with greater external LoC exhibited weaker Motivation to Change as they perceived more distal NAE.Conclusion The relationship between NAE and motivation to change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be better explained by considering their association with LoC. Distal NAE can help repeat alcohol-impaired drivers have stronger motivation to change especially when they have greater internal LoC. Treatment programs for repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be improved when they focus on the enhancement of both internal LoC and the awareness of long-term negative outcomes of alcohol use

Alcohol · Driving under the influence · Environmental health · Poison control · Psychiatry · Public health · Recidivism · Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects · Clinical Psychology · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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