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Avoidance tendencies toward cannabis stimuli in a college sample
Skyler Sklenarik1, Marc N Potenza2,3,4, Robert S Astur1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|March 31, 2022
Summary
This study found no significant approach bias towards cannabis stimuli in college students. However, problematic cannabis users were slower to avoid cannabis cues, suggesting complex cognitive biases in addiction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Addiction is often linked to an automatic tendency to approach drug-related stimuli (approach bias).
- Previous research suggests approach bias plays a role in various substance use disorders, including cannabis use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate approach-avoidance tendencies toward cannabis stimuli using a cannabis-Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT).
- To examine the relationship between cannabis use patterns and approach-avoidance behaviors in undergraduate students.
Main Methods:
- A cannabis-Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) was administered to 211 undergraduate students.
- Cannabis use frequency and severity were assessed using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Short Form (CUDIT-R).
Main Results:
- The overall sample did not show a significant approach or avoidance bias for cannabis stimuli.
- Participants were slower to approach and avoid cannabis stimuli compared to neutral stimuli.
- Individuals with problematic cannabis use (possible cannabis use disorder) exhibited slower avoidance of cannabis stimuli compared to non-problematic users.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive biases in cannabis use appear complex and may not align with typical approach bias findings.
- Further research is needed to understand the intricate role of cognitive biases in cannabis addiction and use patterns.
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