Cannabis use, time perspective and risk perception: Evidence of a moderating effect.

Thémis Apostolidis (1) , Nicolas Fieulaine (2) , Laurent Simonin (1) , Géraldine Rolland (1)

1 LPS - Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale
2 GRePS - Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale

This study explores the relationship between time perspective (TP), cannabis use and risk perceptions associated to this substance. A sample of French students (n=198) were provided with a valid French version of the ZTPI scale. Risk perceptions linked to cannabis consumption were evaluated from a list of 22 items referring to different risks. Respondents were asked to declare how frequently they consumed this substance. Data analysis was based on firstly, ZTPI scores, secondly, declared consumption and finally, two risk perception indices which were established after factorial analysis. Results showed that TP acted as a significant predictor of both psychoactive substance use and of cannabis consumption frequency. Significant links between consumption and risk perception also appeared. A second series of analyses showed that TP acted as a moderating variable in this link between cannabis consumption and risk perception. These findings indicate that TP must be considered as a significant variable when analysing the complexity of contemporary cannabis use and suggests that further research in this area should be carried out.

Keywords: Cannabis Use; Time perspective; ZTPI; Risk Perception; Young adults

Domains: Psychology

Thémis Apostolidis, Nicolas Fieulaine, Laurent Simonin, Géraldine Rolland. Cannabis use, time perspective and risk perception: Evidence of a moderating effect.. Psychology and Health, 2006, 21 (5), pp.571-592. ⟨10.1080/14768320500422683⟩. ⟨halshs-00408109⟩