The effects of internal and external control factors on college students' marijuana use and cessation of use

Author(s): Globetti, G.

Journal/Book: J Drug Educ. 1995; 25: 26 Austin Ave, Amityville, NY 11701. Baywood Publ Co Inc. 357-377.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine how selected internal and external control variables influence lifetime use, frequency of use, and cessation of use of marijuana. The internal control factor, comprising the variables 1) perceived risk of marijuana use and 2) attitudes toward prohibition of marijuana use, refers to a built-in personal tendency toward conventionality. The external control factor refers to social-environmental forces which discourage marijuana use. External control is indicated by factors including the number of extra-curricular activities in which an individual is involved; place of residence; the availability of marijuana; peer attitudes toward marijuana use; the number of an individual's friends who use marijuana; and the number of occasions on which an individual has observed others using marijuana. The study's results show that both internal and external control factors are significant predictors of the frequency of marijuana use. The external control factor, however, plays a more important role in explaining lifetime marijuana use and cessation of marijuana use.

Note: Article CC Lo, Cent Michigan Univ, Dept Sociol Anthropol & Social Work, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859 USA

Keyword(s): ADOLESCENT DRUG-USE; DEVIANT-BEHAVIOR; PERCEIVED RISKS; YOUNG ADULTHOOD; RECENT DECLINE; MARIHUANA USE; SUBSTANCE USE; COCAINE USE; LIFE-STYLE; ALCOHOL

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