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This study examined the correspondence between reports of alcoholic husbands and their wives on multiple dimensions of alcohol consumption and drinking-related events. Retrospective reports as well as prospective diaries (90 day period) were obtained from both spouses on husbands' behaviors, and correspondence was assessed at group and individual levels. Although there was some variability in agreement between individual husband-wife pairs, overall results indicated that husband-wife correspondence was robust not only for global measures, but also for more specific dimensions of day-to-day consumption. Findings were discussed in terms of issues that affect the validity of alcoholics' reports.

The present study examined the level of agreement between alcoholics and their wives on a variety of drinking-related behaviors. The self-report of alcoholics on the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was compared with a parallel version completed by the wives concerning their husbands' behaviors. The couples evidenced a high level of agreement with respect to the Total MAST score as well as to the Helpseeking subscale. The Recognition of Alcohol Problems subscale manifested relatively lower levels of agreement. Alcoholics tended to under-report on this scale relative to their wives and maintain that they were normal drinkers.

The relation between conditions of affective arousal and smoking was evaluated by the utilization of the taste test as the dependent measure for smoking behavior. Experimentally manipulated levels of arousal did not significantly influence smoking intensity or topography; however, the results are qualified by data which casts doubt on the validity of the taste test. There were no significant correlations between performance on the taste test and smoking in the natural environment. The implications regarding the validity of assessment analogue procedures are presented.