Decisional balance and processes of change in community-recruited with moderate-high versus mild severity of cannabis dependence

Francisca López-Torrecillas,Eva María López-Quirantes,Antonio Verdejo-Garcia,Antonio Maldonado,Natalia Albein-Urios,Mª Del Mar Rueda,Etsuro Ito

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0188476

Francisca López-Torrecillas, Eva María López-Quirantes + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188476

Copy DOI

Abstract

Decisional Balance and Processes of Change are generally addressed in motivational interventions for the treatment of cannabis use disorders. However, specific aspects of these multifaceted constructs, with greater relevance for severe cannabis users, need to be ascertained to enable better interventions. This study aimed to compare the different facets of decisional balance and processes of change between mild and severe cannabis users in a community-based sample of young undergraduates. Thirty-one severe cannabis users and 31 mild cannabis users, indicated with the Severity of Dependence Scale, were assessed using the Decisional Balance Questionnaire (DBQ) and the Processes of Change Questionnaire (PCQ). We found that severe cannabis users had higher scores in the DBQ dimensions of Utilitarian Gains for the Self, Utilitarian Gains for Significant Others, and Self-approval, as well as in the total subscale of Gains but not Losses. The group of severe cannabis users also had higher scores in the PCQ dimensions of Self-revaluations and Counter-conditioning. Our results pinpoint specific dimensions of Decisional Balance and Processes of Change that are endorsed by severe cannabis users. This knowledge could be applied to inform motivational interventions targeting severe cannabis users.

Highlights

Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Europe; 14.6% of young adults have used cannabis within the past month
We found a significant effect of Group on Decisional Balance (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.051, F11,50 = 83.900; p< 0.001; Eta = 0.949)
There were no significant differences in Losses

Summary

Introduction

Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Europe; 14.6% of young adults (ages 15 to 34) have used cannabis within the past month Decisional balance and processes of change experience these symptoms, and more likely to request treatment for cannabis use disorders [6,7,8]. Psychological treatments for cannabis use disorders have been largely grounded on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. This framework fostered the application of motivational interventions, which capitalise on motivational factors that can stimulate cannabis users to quit the drug [9,10,11]. The model emphasises the relevance of motivational factors, such as Decisional Balance and Processes of Change, as the leverage to facilitate behavioural change [12,13,14]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion