Value orientation and psychosocial adjustment at various levels of marijuana use

Personality characteristics and values of 475 undergraduates were studied with respect to marijuana use and the usual demographic variables. Frequent Users and Adamant Nonusers (i.e., those persons who "never have used marijuana and never will") each account for 23% of the sample. The demographic data were essentially similar between the four groups under study, but the group differences in reported marijuana use corresponded to large differences in personality and values. The latter was assessed with an instrument developed by the authors based on F. Kluckhohn's theory of variation in value orientations; personality characteristics were assessed with the California Psychological Inventory. The latter (CPI) portrays the Frequent User, in comparison to the other groups but especially relative to the Adamant Nonuser, as likely to be interpersonally and intellectually more effective, trusting in others, and confident and to possess a greater degree of ego strength. The Adamant Nonuser appears to be more submissive in general, lacking in self-insight, dependent on external structure, and judgmental. These differences are interpreted in terms of the value orientations that have primacy for the members of each of the groups. For example, the Adamant Nonuser feels that nature is more subjugating than do the other groups. His standards are extrinsic, and he has a desire for order, associated with an emphasis on authority supported by a belief that humankind is naturally evil or dangerous and that one.