Reflective and non-reflective influences on cannabis use among undergraduate students: A qualitative study

Samuele Porche, Benjamin Gardner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Around 40% of US university students use cannabis, 25% of whom present with cannabis use disorder, which endangers health. We investigated the concurrent contribution of reflective processes, which generate action via conscious deliberation, and non-reflective processes, which prompt behavior automatically, to undergraduates' cannabis consumption.

PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen UK undergraduates who regularly consume cannabis (11 female, 7 male; mean age 20 y).

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews explored cannabis motives, routines, cues, and decision points. Thematic analysis identified themes, in each of which reflective and non-reflective dimensions were coded.

RESULTS: Four themes were identified: cannabis use for relaxation, social bonding, and symbolic-affective significance, and contexts and triggers. Some influences guided cannabis use reflectively in some settings, and non-reflectively in others. Even when cannabis use was consciously driven, non-reflective processes were deployed to execute subservient acts, such as rolling joints.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight specific processes and pathways that might be targeted to reduce cannabis-related harm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of American College Health
Early online date14 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Feb 2022

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