Components of social anxiety prevent cannabis use in adolescents

Background: Social anxiety is often reported as a risk factor for cannabis-related problems during adulthood. However, this disorder may also prevent adolescents from using cannabis. Objectives: This longitudinal study focuses on the relationship between social anxiety and cannabis (prevalence, frequency, problems) in adolescents. Expectancies and specific markers of social anxiety were evaluated. Methods: A questionnaire was administered three times at 1-year intervals (T1, T2, T3), assessing cannabis use, effect expectancies, social anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression, in a sample of 611 teenagers (M=15.54years at baseline, age range=14-18, SD=0.78, 49.26% women). Results: After controlling for relevant variables (T1), social anxiety (T1) significantly prevents cannabis use (T3) among nonclinical adolescents, but was not significantly related to frequency/problems among users. This relationship is mediated by negative behavioral effect expectancies (T2). Markers of social anxiety (anxiety/avoidance in social interaction/performance situations) prevent cannabis use. Conclusions: Results are discussed in terms of clinical implications concerning cannabis use among adolescents.