Future time perspective as predictor of cannabis use: exploring the role of substance perception among French adolescents

Addict Behav. 2006 Dec;31(12):2339-43. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.03.008. Epub 2006 Apr 19.

Abstract

This study explored the relation of Future time perspective (FTP) to cannabis use and tested the potential mediating role of cannabis perception, with a sample of 276 French adolescents. FTP was assessed using ZTPI subscale, cannabis perception was evaluated from a list of nine items related to drug-oriented perception (DOP), and participants were asked to report both their cannabis use and the level of use. Results showed that FTP acts as a significant predictor of cannabis use, and is significantly linked to DOP. A significant relationship between DOP and cannabis use also appeared. Regression analyses showed that DOP acts as a mediator in the link between FTP and cannabis use. These findings confirm the protective role of FTP in cannabis use and suggest the indirect nature of this role.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cannabis
  • Female
  • France
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology*
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Social Perception
  • Time Factors