Within‐ and Between‐Person Fluctuations in Men's Sex‐Related Alcohol Expectancies and Perceptions of Sexual Interest in a Hypothetical Sexual Scenario

Sex‐related alcohol expectancies about oneself and one's partner vary across time and context, yet alcohol‐related sexual violence research predominantly measures alcohol expectancies as stable traits. Sexually active, non‐abstinent men completed a sexual aggression analog scenario. After indicating a preference for a female or male hypothetical partner, participants were randomized to a scenario depicting a highly or low intoxicated partner, and they reported sex‐related alcohol expectancies and sexual interest for themselves and their partner at four points across the scenario as well as their sexual aggression intentions. Repeated‐measures ANOVA and latent growth curve modeling suggested self‐ and partner‐specific sex‐related alcohol expectancies and sexual interest fluctuated across the scenario. Less acute decreases in self‐ and partner‐sex‐related alcohol expectancies and perceived sexual interest following partner sexual refusal were associated with sexual aggression intentions. Prevention research and program development should incorporate a dynamic conceptualization of alcohol expectancies when examining sexual assault perpetration risks.