Cannabis use, self‐perceived risk, perceived peer approval and parental attitudes among youth at clinical high‐risk for psychosis. Issue 3 (3rd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ristanovic, Ivanka; Damme, Katherine S. F.; DeVylder, Jordan E.; Schiffman, Jason; Mittal, Vijay A.
• Is Part Of: Early intervention in psychiatry. Volume 16:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 264
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2021-05-03
• Subjects: attitudes -- cannabis -- clinical high‐risk for psychosis -- legalization; Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Research -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Treatment -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/eip.13153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7885

Abstract

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 ( η 2 partial = .07) and a significant increase in HCs ( η 2 partial = .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.