Abstract

Dual-process theories of addiction have suggested that drug use behavior is influenced by the interaction between an automatic system, which uses affective and motivational significance to appraise stimuli rapidly, and a reflective system, which includes conscious emotion regulation and decision making. The current study examined the constructs of impulsivity and mindfulness, selected to approximate the automatic and reflective systems, respectively, and their associations with cannabis use characteristics. Research suggests deficits in impulsivity and mindfulness are hallmark characteristics of substance use. However, evidence supporting this association specific to cannabis use is inconsistent. A community sample of adults (N = 289, 137 female) completed an online survey that included the Short UPPS-P (SUPPS-P) impulsiveness questionnaire, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and questions about cannabis use and cannabis-related problems. A logistic regression in the full sample revealed that SUPPS-P Lack of Premeditation and MAAS total scores, as well as alcohol consumption, were significant positive predictors of cannabis user status (i.e., use in the past 30 days). In the subsample of cannabis users (n = 87), no significant associations were revealed between impulsivity or mindfulness and cannabis use frequency. No impulsivity or mindfulness variables emerged as significant predictors of cannabis-related problems in users; although, consistent with prior studies, the association with SUPPS-P Negative Urgency approached significance. Alcohol-related problems were associated with cannabis-related problems as well. These findings extend the previous literature and have implications in identifying risk for problematic/disordered use as well as improving upon interventions and treatment approaches for problematic cannabis use.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Marijuana--Psychological aspects; Impulsive personality; Mindfulness (Psychology)

Publication Date

7-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Experimental Psychology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

Rebecca Houston

Advisor/Committee Member

Tina Sutton

Advisor/Committee Member

Nicolas Schlienz

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

EXPSYC-MS

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