Substance Use Expectancy
Dimension 546 of 1,100 · Health Lens
Substance Use Expectancy measures the beliefs and anticipated effects a person associates with using alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes. It encompasses expected social, emotional, self-evaluative, and performance-related changes, including both rewarding and distressing effects attributed to substance use.
Minimal Substance Use Expectancy
Expressions activating this band mention substance use, drinking, or others' concern about use in a descriptive or behavioral way, with little clear emphasis on expected internal effects. The content centers on use history, quantity, or surrounding circumstances rather than what substances are believed to do for the person.
Moderate Substance Use Expectancy
Expressions activating this band describe clear rewarding expectations from substance use, especially feeling better, liking the sensation, easing social interaction, or experiencing strong desire to use. Substance use is framed as producing immediate relief or pleasure.
High Substance Use Expectancy
Expressions activating this band attribute broader psychological changes to substance use, such as improved self-expression, creativity, self-regard, or a more hopeful view of the future, while also acknowledging loneliness or emotional problems during use. Substance use is experienced as meaningfully altering mood, identity, and personal functioning.
Extreme Substance Use Expectancy
Expressions activating this band portray substance use as producing sweeping, powerful states such as feeling capable of anything, alongside acute negative reactions such as anxiety. The expected effects are intense, immediate, and psychologically expansive.