Informing indicated prevention: factors associated with the development of problematic cannabis use in young people

This research explores the relationship between risk factors associated with cannabis use in young people. This thesis addresses the assessment of cannabis use and its association with risk factors and implicit associations, and the suitability of these for targeting at-risk cannabis users, and how theories of drug instrumentalization and normalization frame cannabis use behaviour in young people in contact with drug services using a mixed-methods approach. Additionally, this research addresses the implications for indicated prevention and the targeting of young people considered at risk for developing problematic cannabis use behaviours. This PhD reviews the scientific literature on cannabis use, with an emphasis on prevalence and use behaviours alongside associated risk and protective factors. Cannabis markets and potency, along with policy implications, are also explored. Furthermore, this PhD aims to understand how cannabis use behaviour assessment impacts on the identification of risk, and the subsequent implications for identifying those who might benefit from further support. Frequent, habitual cannabis users and their relationship with risk factors, including implicit cognitions, and use behaviour assessment are explored. Additionally, cannabis users in touch with drug services and their use behaviour are explored through frameworks of drug use instrumentalization and normalization. Lastly, the main findings of this dissertation are surmised and future research and policy implications are discussed. This PhD illustrates the importance of cannabis use behaviour assessment in identifying young people at-risk for developing problematic use behaviours. This thesis provides evidence that suggests that psychopathology, and the over-instrumentalization of use as a self-medication, coping mechanism may be associated with the development of problematic use outcomes. These findings are contextualised within the current cultural and political environments in the United Kingdom and discussed in regards to their suitability for indicated prevention.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Liverpool John Moores University

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Gardner, NK

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sumnall, H
• Cole, J
• Fairclough, S

• RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.t.00004204

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk:4204