Risk Perception and Cannabis Use in a Sample of Young Adults |
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| Authors: | Frances O'Callaghan Amanda Reid Jan Copeland |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia;2. Centre for Health Behaviour &3. Communication Research, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia;4. National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Aim: To examine dimensions of cannabis risk perception among users and non‐users.Setting: University campus.Participants: Two hundred and thirty‐seven university students aged between 17 and 24 years.Measurement: Measures included the frequency of past and present cannabis use, and perceptions of the level of overall risk of various categories of use. Cannabis users were asked to rate the risk of harming themselves at their current level of use. Fifteen dimensions of cannabis risk perception were also assessed.Findings: Perceptions of risk varied across problem domains. Approximately 60% of respondents considered physical addiction to be a great risk for those using at least 2–3 times per week compared with 25% for legal problems. Adverse acute effects (particularly anxiety) were not considered to be a great risk by most of the sample.Conclusions: Risk perception varies considerably across problem domains, and users of cannabis do not necessarily perceive low personal risk. This is particularly relevant for the design of intervention programmes. It is recommended that referral information be readily available at universities for the proportion of students who feel personally vulnerable to risks associated with cannabis. |
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| Keywords: | Cannabis risk perception personal risk |
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