Cannabis use, resilience and mental health in adolescents

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Marandure, Ngonidzashe Blessing (2016). Cannabis use, resilience and mental health in adolescents. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance during adolescence, yet little is understood about the influences on changes in use patterns. There has been more focus on risk as compared to resilience in assessments of cannabis and psychopathology. This thesis aimed to assess self-reported factors influencing changes in patterns of cannabis use in adolescents, and to integrate resilience in the assessment of cannabis use, alcohol use, and psychopathology.

A 6-month prospective design involving a sample of 288 adolescents recruited from schools and from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services was utilised. Participants completed the Cannabis and Young People Questionnaire, Resilience Scale for Adolescents, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales.

Multiple factors influenced changes in cannabis use, with an overarching influence of peers. Cannabis use was not related to psychopathology, nor did it moderate the relationship between psychopathology and resilience. However personal competence emerged as a negative predictor of psychopathology. Level of social resources was the strongest negative predictor of alcohol use, and alcohol users had higher levels of depression. Therefore, there may be potential for utility of resilience factors, notably personal competence, and social resources in prevention and early intervention for mental health in adolescents.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):