Initial development of a measure of expectancies for combinations of alcohol and caffeine: The Caffeine + Alcohol Combined Effects Questionnaire (CACEQ).

Abstract

Caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CAB) consumption is widespread among young adults in the United States and is associated with increased negative consequences from alcohol. In addition to the direct pharmacological effects of adding caffeine to alcohol, another possible risk mechanism is via socially-learned expectancies, which has received very little consideration. The current study conducted an initial psychometric validation of a measure of CAB expectancies to facilitate research in this area. Participants were 409 undergraduate regular drinkers (71% female) who were assessed for alcohol and CAB use, alcohol use/misuse, and expectancies about CABs. The majority (62%) of participants reported CAB experience and 48% reported CAB use in the past month. Participants primarily consumed spontaneously prepared as opposed to pre-mixed CABs. More frequent CAB use was significantly positively correlated with levels of alcohol use and misuse. For the expectancy items, exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that were labeled “Intoxication Enhancement” and “Avoid Negative Consequences.” The patterns of expectancies reflected beliefs that CABs enhanced intoxication, but did not protect against negative consequences. The measure was titled the Caffeine+Alcohol Combined Effects Questionnaire (CACEQ). Intoxication enhancement scores were significantly associated with frequency of CAB use, even after adjusting for the role of weekly drinking and alcohol misuse, supporting the convergent validity of the CACEQ. These data provide initial support for the CACEQ and suggest it may be useful for clarifying the role of expectancies in CAB use. Applications for studying the risks associated with CAB use and methodological considerations are discussed.

Caffeinated Alcohol Use and Expectancies for Caffeine Versus Alcohol

“…Thus, in addition to learning about the role of caffeine versus alcohol expectancies in CAB use, it may be equally useful to learn about expectancies of the substances combined. Researchers have only very recently begun to focus on CAB-specific expectancies (MacKillop et al, 2012; Mallett, Marzell, Scaglione, Hultgren, & Turrisi, 2013; Varvil-Weld, Marzell, Turrisi, & Mallett, 2013). Reflecting the infancy of this area of research, the three studies that have examined CAB all used different measures of CAB expectancies.…”

“…Reflecting the infancy of this area of research, the three studies that have examined CAB all used different measures of CAB expectancies. The most psychometrically rigorous of the three studies, MacKillop and colleagues (2012) developed a 9-item CAB expectancy measure with two subscales: “intoxication enhancement” and “avoid negative consequences.” However, only the intoxication enhancement subscale predicted CAB use frequency. Its association to CAB use quantity is unknown as this was not examined by the authors.…”

“…For example, definitions have varied with defining CAB as “premixed or ad hoc CAB” (e.g. MacKillop et al, 2012) or simply as “caffeinated alcohol beverages” (e.g. Heinz et al, 2009) while others refer to it as “energy drinks mixed with alcohol” (e.g.…”

“…greater intoxication, alertness; Jones, Barrie, & Berry, 2012; Peacock, Bruno, & Martin, 2013), emerging research suggests that the co-consumption of alcohol with caffeine may present greater risk to the individual than consuming alcohol alone. College student consumers of CAB, either pre-premixed or self-mixed, drink alcohol in greater quantities and drink more frequently as compared to alcohol-only users (MacKillop et al, 2012; O’Brien et al, 2008; Thombs et al, 2010). Caffeine and alcohol co-administration has been associated with greater alcohol-related consequences (O’Brien et al, 2008) and intentions to drink under the influence (Thombs et al, 2010).…”

“…As much as one fourth to one half of college drinkers reported consuming caffeinated alco holic beverages (CAB) in the previous 30 days (Brache & Stockwell, 2011; MacKillop et al, 2012; O’Brien, Mc-Coy, Rhodes, Wagoner, & Wolfson, 2008). Lifetime use estimates have been found to be as high as 75% (Berger, Fendrich, & Fuhrmann, 2013).…”