Abstract
Background. Research consistently finds that male cannabis users report greater problematic cannabis use (i.e., negative outcomes related to one’s cannabis use), compared to female cannabis users. Further, emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic risk factor for substance use and addiction and is associated with greater problematic cannabis use. Therefore, the current study examined whether sex moderates associations between emotion dysregulation (overall and dimensions of emotion dysregulation) and problematic cannabis use. Methods. 741 adults reporting past-month cannabis use (31.44% female) completed an online anonymous survey, including questions on demographics, substance use, problematic cannabis use (via the Marijuana Problem Scale) and emotion dysregulation (via the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale). Independent samples t-tests and hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed. Results. Male cannabis users reported significantly higher scores on overall emotion dysregulation and five of six dimensions (nonacceptance, impulse, awareness, strategies, and clarity) compared to female cannabis users. Further, sex moderated associations between emotion dysregulation (overall, nonacceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, and strategies) and problematic cannabis use. Overall, nonacceptance, goals, impulse, and strategies were positively associated with problematic cannabis use, and these relationships were stronger in male cannabis users. Lack of emotional awareness was negatively associated with problematic cannabis use in male cannabis users and no relationship was found for female cannabis users. Conclusions. Overall, these results denote the importance of examining individual differences in emotion dysregulation as they relate to problematic cannabis use. Interventions and treatments may need to be tailored for male cannabis users with a focus on specific emotion dysregulation dimensions.
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