Measuring Cannabis Reinforcement among Young Adults: A Mixed Methods Examination.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Science
• Measurement

Background:

• Reducing harmful cannabis use requires increasing reinforcement from cannabis-free activities.
• Accurate measurement of cannabis reinforcement is essential for developing effective interventions.
• The Adolescent Reinforcement Survey Schedule-Cannabis Use Version (ARSS-CUV) was developed to address this measurement need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and examine the measurement validity of the ARSS-CUV, a tool designed to measure cannabis reinforcement.
• To adapt an existing measure for alcohol use to the context of cannabis use.
• To gather evidence of validity based on item content for the ARSS-CUV.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed methods approach was employed.
• Young adults (N = 65) completed the ARSS-CUV and other measures of cannabis use.
• Focus groups were conducted to gather qualitative feedback on the survey's activities and wording.

Main Results:

• Peer interactions were identified as the most reinforcing activities, while family-related activities were least reinforcing.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted confusion with question wording and the importance of environmental context and social factors in cannabis use.
• Revisions were made to the ARSS-CUV based on participant feedback, including adjustments to survey flow and response options.

Conclusions:

• The revised ARSS-CUV offers an improved measure of cannabis reinforcement.
• Further examination of the psychometric properties of the ARSS-CUV in diverse populations and contexts is warranted.
• This tool has the potential to advance research on cannabis use and inform intervention strategies.