The Interplay Between Negative Alcohol Expectancies and Locus of Control and Its Association with Motivation to Change Alcohol Use Among Repeat Alcohol-Impaired Drivers

Background: Alcohol-impaired driving is a costly public health problem with a high rate of recidivism. Objectives: This investigation aimed to examine the associations among negative alcohol expectancies (NAE), locus of control (LoC), and motivation to reduce alcohol use among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers. Methods: Fifty-nine participants with ≥ 2 previous driving under the influence (DUI) arrests were recruited from a correctional treatment facility or the community. Participants completed NAE, LoC, Motivation to Change alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders (e.g., alcohol and/or substance use disorder) assessments. Results: Both proximal (β = −0.37, p = 0.022) and distal (β = −0.40, p = 0.011) NAE were negatively associated with Motivation to Change. External LoC was associated with lower Motivation to Change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers (β = −0.42, p = 0.006). The association of distal NAE with Motivation to Change was moderated by LoC (β = −0.48, p < 0.002): those with greater internal LoC had greater Motivation to Change when they focused more on distal NAE, whereas those with greater external LoC exhibited weaker Motivation to Change as they perceived more distal NAE. Conclusion: The relationship between NAE and motivation to change among repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be better explained by considering their association with LoC. Distal NAE can help repeat alcohol-impaired drivers have stronger motivation to change especially when they have greater internal LoC. Treatment programs for repeat alcohol-impaired drivers can be improved when they focus on the enhancement of both internal LoC and the awareness of long-term negative outcomes of alcohol use.