Effects of Messaging and Psychological Reactance on Marijuana Craving

Abstract

Background: Psychological Reactance Theory asserts that people experience reactance (a motivational state characterized by negative affect and cognition) when they perceive threats to their autonomy. Reactance may lead to “boomerang effects” by which individuals engage in the opposed behavior. Objectives: This experiment sought to determine whether a message encouraging marijuana (MJ) abstinence evoked greater reactance than a harm-reduction message and whether the message and reactance influenced individuals’ attitudes, MJ craving, and intent to comply with the message request. Methods: College students and community members (n = 388) participated in an online study where they were randomly assigned to receive a message promoting MJ abstinence or harm reduction. Regression analyses adjusting for MJ use, alcohol use, and age determined the effects of the message and reactance on individuals’ attitudes, MJ craving, and intent to comply. Follow-up analyses determined the significant reactance subscales. Results: The abstinence message evoked greater reactance than the harm reduction message and led to less favorable attitudes toward the advocated behavior. Across messages, reactance (specifically negative cognitive appraisal) was related to less favorable attitudes toward the advocated behavior and the study, as well as lower intent to comply. Additionally, reactance (specifically anger) was associated with greater self-reported craving. Conclusions/Importance: Anti-MJ messages designed to discourage use might heighten reactance and inadvertently lead to greater craving and intent to use. The link between reactance and craving may be more affectively mediated than the link between reactance and message rejection.