Approach-Bias in Heavy Cannabis Users
Author Information
Author(s): Janna Cousijn, Anna E. Goudriaan, Reinout W. Wiers
Primary Institution: University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Heavy cannabis users would show a stronger approach-bias towards cannabis-related images compared to controls.
Conclusion
Heavy cannabis users with a strong approach-bias for cannabis are more likely to increase their cannabis use.
Supporting Evidence
- Heavy cannabis users demonstrated an approach-bias for cannabis images compared to controls.
- The approach-bias predicted changes in cannabis use at six-month follow-up.
- Pre-test MCQ emotionality and expectancy factors were negatively associated with the approach-bias.
- Participants with a stronger bias to approach cannabis used more cannabis at six-month follow-up.
Takeaway
People who use a lot of cannabis tend to want to get closer to cannabis images, and this can lead them to use more cannabis over time.
Methodology
Cross-sectional assessment and six-month follow-up in heavy cannabis users and non-using controls, using the cannabis Approach Avoidance Task (cannabis-AAT) to measure approach and avoidance tendencies.
Potential Biases
The study could not determine if the approach-bias in heavy cannabis users generalizes to other rewarding stimuli.
Limitations
The sample had more tobacco smokers among heavy cannabis users, and the approach-bias may not generalize to other rewarding stimuli.
Participant Demographics
32 heavy cannabis users and 39 non-using controls aged 18-25, matched for age, gender, and estimated intelligence.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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