EXPECTANCY THEORY (ET)

Expectancy Theory (ET) works in a very similar method to the observation aspect of the SLT. Those in this generation drink alcohol do so because they have positive expectations about the effects of alcohol use, which gives rise to elevated use. These expectations include tension reduction, enhanced sociability, and increased courage (“liquid courage”). One of the main problems with the Millennial generation is that they tend to be very socially awkward and have issues with face-to-face interaction. As stated before, the main modes of communication are through social networking sites and text messaging. This has resulted in a decrease in interaction using speech, let alone interpersonal interaction. Because of these lowered social skills, this generation feels compelled to utilize alcohol in order to interact with their peers in social settings such as parties and athletic events. Students feel that they are unable to interact without alcohol in their systems. What is even more disturbing is that alcohol directly affects the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that decides whether people should take action or not. Alcohol is also involved in the part of the brain that affects impulse control. The human brain is still developing until roughly the age of 24 or 25. Those who drink at an earlier age are risking the lowered development of parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, not only are students becoming more likely to develop lower self-efficacy in social settings without alcohol, they are also inhibiting the development of the part of their brain that helps them socialize.