Treatment seeking in cannabis dependence: the role of social cognition

Background and aims Relatively few cannabis dependent individuals seek treatment and little is known about the determinants of treatment seeking. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) provides a useful framework for examining human behaviour and motivation which may be helpful in explaining treatment seeking. This study examined the differences in cannabis outcome expectancies and cannabis refusal self-efficacy between treatment seekers and non-treatment seekers with cannabis dependence. Design Non-treatment seekers were referred to an illicit drug diversion program. Treatment seekers commenced an outpatient cannabis treatment program and completed a comprehensive assessment that included measures of cannabis outcome expectancies and refusal self-efficacy. Setting A public hospital alcohol and drug outpatient clinic. Participants 269 non-treatment seekers and 195 individuals commencing cannabis dependence treatment. Measurements The Cannabis Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ), Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CRSEQ), Severity of Dependence Scale – Cannabis (SDS-C), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RTC) were completed. Findings Treatment seekers had significantly higher levels of negative cannabis outcome expectancies and significantly lower levels of emotional relief refusal self-efficacy (belief in ability to resist using cannabis when experiencing negative affect) (ps < 0.001). Treatment seekers had significantly higher levels of psychological distress and self-perceived cannabis dependence compared to non-treatment seekers (ps < 0.001). Conclusions High negative cannabis outcome expectancies and low emotional relief refusal self-efficacy may play a key role in motivation to seek treatment

A biosocial cognitive model of cannabis use in emerging adulthood

Objectives The aim of this study was to test a new theoretical model of cannabis use incorporating biologically-based personality traits and social cognition. This biosocial cognitive theory (bSCT) has robust support in alcohol studies, but has not been applied to cannabis. The model proposes two pathways linking dimensions of impulsivity to cannabis use. The first predicts that the association between Reward Sensitivity (SR) and cannabis use is mediated by positive outcome expectancies. The second predicts that the relationship between Rash Impulsiveness (RI) and cannabis use is mediated by cannabis refusal self-efficacy. An extended version of this model was also tested and included a third pathway linking Punishment Sensitivity (SP) to cannabis use via higher negative outcome expectancies. Method Participants were 252 18-to-21-year-olds who completed questionnaires assessing cannabis use, personality and social cognition. Theoretical models were tested using structural equation modeling. Results The bSCT model provided a good fit to the data (CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.07; SRMR = 0.06). Positive cannabis expectancies and refusal self-efficacy partially mediated the association between SR and cannabis use (p < 0.05). Cannabis refusal self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between RI and cannabis use (p < 0.05). The addition of a third SP pathway did not improve model fit. Conclusions Consistent with alcohol studies, the association between impulsivity and cannabis use is largely mediated by social cognition. The bSCT may provide novel insights to inform prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use

Young People\u27s Uses of Music for Well-being

The period between 15 and 25 years is characterised by much personal change and is the peak age of onset of mental health problems. This prompts an interest in everyday strategies that young people might use to support their well-being. Music use is the preferred leisure activity among young people yet little is known about how music is linked to well-being in this population. This study aimed to develop and test a model of the relationships between young people\u27s use of music and their well-being, drawing on theories from the music psychology and clinical psychology fields. A qualitative analysis of transcripts from focus groups with 11 participants aged 15–25 years revealed four ways in which music listening links with well-being: relationship building, modifying emotions, modifying cognitions and emotional immersion. These linking variables were operationalised using questionnaire scores and tested on a new sample of 107 young people. Results of a multiple mediation analysis revealed that music listening was significantly related to all four linking variables, but not directly related to well-being as measured by the Mental Health Continuum. Nevertheless, the four linking variables indirectly mediated the effect of music listening on social well-being. The findings are consistent with earlier research on the role of music in emotion regulation and social connection although there are clearly other factors involved in determining young peoples\u27 well-being. These findings will help inform music-based interventions for young people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved

High intensity and sprint interval training, and work-related cognitive function in adults : A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess evidence on the impact of acute and chronic high intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) on work-related performance tests of cognitive function in adults. METHODS: The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles up to August 2022. Eligible studies assessed the effects of HIIT (70-100% VO2max ) and/or SIT (≥100% VO2max ) on cognitive function test scores in cognitively healthy adults, relative to a control or comparative exercise group/condition. Data on participant characteristics, exercise protocol, key outcomes and intervention setting were extracted. Study quality was assessed using a 9 (single session HIIT/SIT) and 14 (multiple session HIIT/SIT) item checklist. RESULTS: 36 studies (15 countries; n=11 to 945 participants) met inclusion criteria. Mean quality scores were 'fair-to-good' for acute (single session; mean=6.9 [SD 1.0]), and chronic (multiple session; mean=9.8 [SD 1.6]) training studies. Eighteen from 36 studies (12/20 [55%] acute and 6/16 [38%] chronic training studies) evidenced significant improvements in aspects of cognitive function related to work performance (i.e., attention, inhibition, memory, information processing speed, cognitive flexibility, intelligence, reaction time and learning). Only four studies tested the impact of HIIT/SIT on cognitive function in a work-based setting (e.g., the office or home). CONCLUSIONS: While there is promising evidence, particularly from acute training studies, to indicate that high intensity, short duration exercise benefits cognitive function in adults, there is very limited evidence of application in workplace contexts. To better understand the potential benefits to employee performance and safety, HIIT/SIT and cognitive function research needs to transition from laboratory to 'in-situ' occupational settings