Development and initial validation of a marijuana cessation expectancies questionnaire.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Marijuana use cessation or reduction can lead to anticipated consequences.
• Understanding these expectancies is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Initial development and validation of a measure for marijuana cessation expectancies were needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and psychometrically validate the Marijuana Cessation Expectancies Questionnaire (MCEQ).
• To assess expected outcomes associated with ceasing or reducing marijuana use.
• To provide a tool for clinical use in treating problem marijuana use.

Main Methods:

• The 46-item MCEQ was developed from participant responses on expected outcomes of marijuana cessation/reduction.
• The questionnaire was administered to 151 non-treatment seeking regular marijuana users.
• Exploratory factor analyses were used to identify the underlying structure of the MCEQ.

Main Results:

• Six factors were identified, accounting for 61% of the variance, related to expected improvements (performance, authority, interpersonal) and worsening (mood, fun, appetite).
• The MCEQ demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0.86) and moderate to high factor consistencies (α's=0.60-0.89).
• The MCEQ showed good concurrent validity and incremental associations with change indices.

Conclusions:

• The MCEQ is a psychometrically validated measure providing initial support for its use.
• The findings suggest the MCEQ is closely linked to marijuana users' reduction/cessation decisions.
• The MCEQ can be clinically utilized to enhance behavioral treatments and motivational interventions for problem marijuana use.