De Relatie tussen een Aandachtsbias en Cannabisgebruik: De Modererende Rol van Zelfcontrole

Abstract

Objective Legalization of medical and recreational cannabis use seems to be accompanied by increasing use among adolescents and young adults. However, existing interventions do not seem to be targeting the underlying mechanisms of cannabis addiction sufficiently. There are indications that cannabis use and addiction is characterized by an attentional bias for cannabis-related stimuli and low self-control. Because it is unclear whether this occurs after dependence or that it reflects a process that intensifies as use increases, this cross-sectional study investigated whether an attentional bias for cannabis-related stimuli and self-control are predictors of cannabis use. In addition, it has been investigated whether self-control is a moderator in the relationship between an attentional bias and cannabis use. Method The sample consisted of 82 Dutch adults (64.6% female, 36.4% male) with an age ranging from 20 to 64 years (M = 35.3; SD = 15.3). Participants completed the Dutch versions of the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised and the Brief Self-Control Scale, as well as the Visual Probe Task. Results The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, checked for gender and age, showed a negative predictive relationship between self-control and cannabis use. No association was found between an attentional bias and cannabis use. Also, no moderation effect of self-control in the relationship between an attentional bias and cannabis use was found. Conclusions Findings imply that low self-control is a predictor of cannabis use. This emphasizes the importance of involving self-control in intervention and prevention.