ORCID

0000-0002-2996-4319

Keywords

Alcohol, Cannabis, Marijuana, Simultaneous Use, Expectancies

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology | Psychology

Abstract

Background: Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (SAC/SAM), defined as using alcohol and cannabis at the same time so that their effects overlap, has been identified as a hazardous form of polysubstance use. Expectancies are a causal mechanism and can be changed with predictable reductions in substance use and associated consequences, yet only one measure has been developed to assess expectancies related to SAC. Due to limitations of the existing measure, this study sought to create a more comprehensive SAC expectancy scale. Method: Three phases of participants (Phase 1, N = 493; Phase 2, n = 4; Phase 3, n = 819) were recruited from a large public university in the southeastern United States to develop the Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use Expectancy Questionnaire (SAC-EQ). Procedures included gathering expectancies for different conditions of simultaneous use (e.g., alcohol before cannabis, cannabis before alcohol), reducing synonymous expectancy terms, and gathering survey responses across two timepoints to establish the scale’s validity and reliability. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses support a 3-factor solution. Bivariate correlations support the discriminant, convergent, and concurrent validity of the measure, as well as test-retest reliability. Multiple linear regressions suggest the SAC-EQ is a stronger predictor of simultaneous use frequency, alcohol consequences, and cannabis consequences than the existing SAC expectancy measure, demonstrating both predictive and incremental validity. Discussion: The SAC-EQ outperforms previous measures and provides a robust foundation for the development of effective expectancy-based prevention and intervention programs.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Dunn, Michael

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Format

PDF

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

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