Beliefs about the effects of alcohol on self and others.

A questionnaire on beliefs about the effects of alcohol on the behavior of self and others was administered to a sample of college students and a sample from the general population. Respondents reported that alcohol effects are more likely to happen to others than to themselves, particularly for socially undesirable behaviors. Women reported a greater likelihood of behavioral impairment; men reported more aggressive behavior. Nondrinkers reported a greater likelihood of both positive and negative effects; heavier drinkers reported more pleasurable effects.