An integrated behavioral approach to understanding sociocognitive determinants and risk profiles of cannabis use in adolescents

Cannabis experimentation usually begins during adolescence, and it is associated with the development of mental disorders, and regular use in adulthood. This study aims to analyze the determinants and the trajectories of cannabis use in adolescence. A longitudinal study was conducted with 1,051 adolescents aged 14-18 years who completed a baseline and 6-month follow-up survey based on the I-Change Model. Two cross-sectional and one longitudinal regression analyses were performed to identify which determinants are associated with cannabis use. Then, the five cannabis use trajectories that were found were compared using ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc comparisons. The results showed that at 6 months of follow-up, 669 adolescents had remained non-users, while 187 non-users became users, of whom 121 were experimental and 66 regular users. Data analysis revealed the influence on cannabis use of having boyfriend/girlfriend, sensation seeking, not being convinced about the disadvantages of cannabis use, having peer influence favoring cannabis use and a positive intention to use cannabis in the future. At the beginning, non-users differed on perceptions about the sociocognitive factors from consistent users, but not of the new users. When comparing sociocognitive factors at follow-up, the scenario change, and they are the new users who showed more sociocognitive perceptions favoring cannabis than non-users. Considering the determinants of cannabis use from an integrated behavioral approach can be useful to develop prevention campaigns for this substance. This should provide healthy alternatives to the search for sensations, reinforce a negative attitude towards cannabis use, and influence peer influence and self-efficacy in risky situations/emotions that invite its consumption.