Beliefs and Expectancies in Substance Use

A Historical–Conceptual Analysis Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Theories

Abstract

Beliefs and positive outcome expectancies regarding the effects of substances are cognitive factors considered influential in the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Social Cognitive Theory, the Relapse Prevention Model, Expectancy Theory, and classical Cognitive Behavioral Theory converge on this premise. Over time, these theories have been updated, and in this context, the present article aims to outline a historical overview of how the concepts of beliefs and expectancies within substance use have been addressed in the scientific literature, with an emphasis on cognitive theories and the field of alcohol, through a historical–conceptual analysis. Sixteen theoretical articles and book chapters written by the authors who founded these theories—Albert Bandura, Alan Marlatt, Mark Goldman, and Aaron Beck—were selected. The results indicated that beliefs and expectancies are terms that lack a single definition and sometimes overlap; however, there is consensus that both represent cognitive processes that influence decision-making regarding whether or not to use substances. Additionally, there is a growing movement toward integrating neuroscience findings into psychology in order to strengthen the evidence base in this field.