Cannabis use, self-perceived risk, perceived peer approval and parental attitudes among youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis

Ivanka Ristanovic, Katherine S.F. Damme, Jordan E. DeVylder, Jason Schiffman, Vijay A. Mittal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: Cannabis use is associated with greater likelihood of psychosis. The relationship between attitudes about cannabis and use has not been examined in youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. Additionally, the shifting legal landscape can provide a valuable context for evaluating use and related attitudes. Methods: This study included 174 participants (44 CHR, 43 healthy control [HC] youth-parent dyads). Youth completed measures of self-reported cannabis use confirmed with a urinalysis, self-perceived risk and perceived peer attitudes. Parents reported attitudes about youth use. Legalization occurred halfway during a 5-year study in Colorado, providing an opportunity to cross-sectionally examine its role in use and attitudes. Results: Frequency of youth reporting cannabis use was significantly higher in CHR (69%) than control group (30%). Use in CHR group was associated with higher perceived peer approval (r =.57), increased parental permissiveness (r =.28) and lower self-perceived risk (r = −.26). Comparing samples participating pre and post-legalization, use remained stable within each group. Group differences in parental permissiveness shifted; trend toward decrease in permissiveness in CHR group (η2partial =.07) and a significant increase in HCs (η2partial =.16) were observed. Post-legalization, use in CHR group correlated with higher perceived peer approval (r =.64), lower self-perceived risk (r = −.51) and higher parental permissiveness (r =.35, trend). Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate a relationship between self and peer/parental attitudes about cannabis and use in youth at CHR for psychosis. These factors are important to consider within the legalization context given the changes in parental attitudes and a stronger association between use and attitudes in this group post-legalization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)264-271
Number of pages8
JournalEarly Intervention in Psychiatry
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • attitudes
  • cannabis
  • clinical high-risk for psychosis
  • legalization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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