69 research outputs found
Developing and Validating a New Multi-Dimensional Scale for Anti-Social Behaviour in a Higher Education Setting
The purpose of this research is to construct and validate a multi-dimensional scale of Anti-social
Behaviour (hereafter ASB) in a Western higher education context (i.e. USA). To achieve this, four
studies, each with a different sample, were performed. Study 1 (n = 150) followed an exploratory
design to generate a pool of potential items measuring ASB. Study 2 (n = 254) explored the
dimensionality of the items produced in Study 1 using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and
reliability measures. Study 3 (n = 654) confirmed the factorial structure from Study 2 and assessed
the measurement model invariance using structural equation modelling (SEM).
Finally, Study 4 (n = 287) assessed the predictive validity of the ASB measure through testing a hypothetical path model linking ASB to narcissism and
Machiavellianism via an SEM procedure. In total, our research findings conclude that the ASB
measurement model is a two-factor multi-dimensional structure comprising: Interpersonal
Antagonistic Behaviour (six items) as well as Indirect Distractive Behaviour (four items). The
research and practical implications for universities are thereafter discussed
Synthetic CathinonesâPrevalence and Motivations for Use
This book chapter reviews the prevalence and motivations for use of synthetic cathinones with respect to their availability, legal status, numbers and seized amounts
Exploring Butane Hash Oil Use: A Research Note
The practice of âdabbingâ has seen an apparent upswing in popularity in recent months within American drug subcultures. âDabbingâ refers to the use of butane-extracted marijuana products that offer users much higher tetrahydrocannabinol content than flower cannabis through a single dosage process. Though considerably more potent than most marijuana strains in their traditional form, these butane hash oil products and the practice of dabbing are underexplored in the empirical literature, especially in prohibition states. A mixed-methods evaluation of a federally funded treatment program for drug-involved offenders identified a small sample (n = 6) of butane hash oil users and generated focus group interview data on the nature of butane hash oil, the practice of dabbing, and its effects. Findings inform discussion of additional research needed on butane hash oil and its implications for the ongoing marijuana legalization debate, including the diversity of users, routes of administration, and differences between retail/medical and prohibition states
The arrest and synthetic novel psychoactive drug relationship: Observations from a young adult population
Novel psychoactive drugs (NPDs), an emerging class of dangerous substances, generally mimic the actions of commonly abused substances such as marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates, but are formulated, marketed, and used either to sidestep legal restrictions or to avoid positive drug screens. Synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice and K2 along with synthetic stimulants often referred to as bath salts have recently entered U.S. markets. The current study explores the relationship between being arrested and using NPDs per self-report survey data obtained from 2,349 students at a large university in the Southeastern United States. Respondents indicated whether they had used synthetic psychoactive drugs, reported demographic characteristics, and whether they had been arrested for a number of offenses. Results from logistic regression and propensity score matching models indicate that those who have been arrested are also more likely to use NPDs
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