Comparing Facets of Emotion Dysregulation as Daily Cannabis Use Predictors: A Dominance Analysis Study

Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance in the United States, specifically among young adults. Previous research identifies emotion dysregulation as a predictor of cannabis use, yet there remains some uncertainty in the literature regarding which facets of emotion dysregulation are the most important in relation to cannabis use. Indeed, the studies that have compared the facet-level associations of dysregulation with cannabis use have provided broadly conflicting results. These conflicts in the literature may be due, in part, to researchers relying on simple comparisons of correlation or regression coefficients; a problematic approach given the correlations among the facets of dysregulation. This study applied a regimen of model selection and dominance analyses in order to provide some clarity regarding which facets of emotion dysregulation are the most important predictors of cannabis use. Method A sample of 353 undergraduate students completed an online survey study that included the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Daily Sessions, Frequency, Age of Onset, and Quantity of Cannabis Use Inventory. Results Statistical analyses, including negative binomial regression and dominance analysis, indicated that the DERS impulsivity facet as the most dominant predictor of daily cannabis use, followed by the strategies and non-acceptance facets, respectively. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of targeting specific components of emotion regulation difficulties in interventions aimed at reducing cannabis use among young adults. We offer suggestions for the integration of our findings in the development of targeted interventions.