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Examining cannabis protective behavioral strategy use using multiple methods
Mark A Prince1, Tiffany Jenzer2, Whitney Brown3
1Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Drugs and Alcohol Today
|August 2, 2021
Summary
Protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) help young adults reduce negative consequences from cannabis use. This study defined and measured PBSs for cannabis, finding their use correlated with fewer problems.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Substance Use Research
- Psychology
Background:
- Cannabis use is rising among young adults, linked to adverse outcomes.
- Protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) may mitigate substance use risks.
- Understanding PBSs for cannabis is crucial for intervention development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and measure the construct of protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) specifically for cannabis use.
- To explore the range and nature of PBSs employed by cannabis users.
- To assess the relationship between PBS use and cannabis-related consequences.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative thematic analysis of eight focus groups with 54 cannabis users.
- Quantitative surveys assessing demographics, cannabis habits, problems, and PBS use.
- Administration of an existing PBS measure and generation of new strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified user motivations for regulating cannabis use (health, legal, interpersonal).
- Highlighted diverse strategies for moderating use or reducing risk (e.g., distraction, existential).
- Found PBS use negatively correlated with adverse cannabis outcomes; perceived helpfulness predicted reduced use and problems.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a refined understanding of cannabis-specific PBSs.
- Findings support the utility of PBSs in reducing cannabis-related harms.
- The combined qualitative and quantitative approach offers insights for future PBS measurement refinement.
