Cannabis Aversive Learning Paper Dataset

Paper Abstract: Objective: Learning theories suggest an aversive learning process whereby negative cannabis consequences are associated with reduced cannabis use. Contrary to this expectation, extent research has found a positive prospective association which may reflect continued patterns of heavy use. This study aims to clarify the predictive association of negative cannabis consequences and future cannabis use by considering that both a positive and negative association with future use are simultaneously present and can be isolated with mediation analysis. We tested the hypothesis that negative cannabis expectancies would mediate a negative indirect effect between negative cannabis consequences and future use. We also hypothesized that a positive direct association between consequences and use would remain. Finally, we considered sensitivity to punishment as a moderator of this mediational path. Method: Data from a longitudinal community sample (N=387) assessed annually for three years in young adulthood (ages = 19-21) were analyzed using multilevel models. Monte Carlo simulation was used to test mediation. Results: Negative cannabis consequences were positively directly associated with cannabis use and indirectly negatively associated with cannabis use through negative expectancies. There was no evidence of moderation by sensitivity to punishment. Conclusions: The association between negative cannabis consequences and future use is complex. Contrary to framing the prospective association between consequences and use as either positive or negative, the current study offers evidence of both. Consistent with behaviorist learning theories, negative experiences with cannabis appear to motivate reductions in use through learned associations between use and negative outcomes.