Sexism and Cannabis-Related Problems Among Women in the U.S.: The Role of Negative Affect and Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use

Overview

Journal Subst Use Misuse

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Date 2024 Nov 4

PMID 39491321

Authors

Paige E Morris

Katharine L Thomas

Julia D Buckner

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Although previous studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of sexism on other substance use and use-related outcomes among women, limited empirical attention has tested whether sexism is related to worse cannabis-related outcomes. It may be that women use cannabis to cope with negative affect related to experiencing sexism, and thus continue to use despite cannabis-related problems. However, no known studies have tested this hypothesis.

Objectives: We tested whether experiencing sexism was related to more cannabis use-related problems the serial effects of negative affect (anxiety, depression) and coping-motivated cannabis use among 304 women who endorsed current (past three-month) cannabis use.

Results: Sexism was significantly positively related to coping-motivated-cannabis use and use-related problems. Sexism was indirectly related to cannabis problems the serial effects of anxiety and coping motives and the serial effects of depression and coping motives, but not the indirect effects of anxiety, depression, or coping motives alone.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that women may use cannabis to cope with sexism-related negative affect, and thus continue to use despite experiencing greater cannabis problems. These results may have important clinical implications and emphasize the need for greater gender-responsive approaches in prevention and intervention efforts for women who use cannabis.

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