Burnout Among High-School Students and Cannabis Use, Consumption Frequencies, Abuse and Dependence

Abstract

Cannabis is a substance frequently consumed by adolescents, which is a risk factor for many psychopathological disorders. At the same time, adolescents in high-schools are likely to be exposed to significant stress from school that can sometimes lead to a burnout syndrome. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of school related burnout on cannabis use in terms of frequencies, abuse and dependence among adolescents in high-schools. 286 high-school students completed questionnaires concerning academic burnout, cannabis use, consumption frequencies, abuse and dependency scores. Data collection took place during their class hours. Burnout, and in particular a cynical attitude towards the purpose of school, predicts higher cannabis consumption frequency and abuse, but not dependency. Also, cannabis users had higher burnout levels. In summary, the results from this study indicate that burnout, and especially the aspect of missing the purpose of and one’s interest in schoolwork, increases the risk of cannabis consumption among adolescents in high-schools.