Conscientiousness as a Predictor of Substance Use
Abstract
Abstract
The current study is interested in the predictive ability of an individual’s level of conscientiousness concerning the use of both legal and illegal substance use. A potential mediating role of impulsivity was also examined. Personality traits have been found to be an important factor in a person’s inclination to use substances. The goal is to form a better understanding of personality and addiction to create improved interventions and facilitate relapse prevention. Secondary data analysis was applied to The Drug Consumption Quantified Data set, which is an anonymous online survey of 1,885 participants. Comparisons were made between user non-user categories of legal substances (alcohol, tobacco) and illegal substances (Cocaine, Cannabis). Findings lend support to the hypothesis that people who score higher on conscientiousness will be less likely to use substances, particularly illicit substances. This inquiry found that impulsivity influences a person’s ability either react to or sublimate such drives in relation to substance use.
keywords: substance use, conscientiousness, impulsivity
Conscientiousness as a Predictor of Substance Use
Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 294
Abstract
The current study is interested in the predictive ability of an individual’s level of conscientiousness concerning the use of both legal and illegal substance use. A potential mediating role of impulsivity was also examined. Personality traits have been found to be an important factor in a person’s inclination to use substances. The goal is to form a better understanding of personality and addiction to create improved interventions and facilitate relapse prevention. Secondary data analysis was applied to The Drug Consumption Quantified Data set, which is an anonymous online survey of 1,885 participants. Comparisons were made between user non-user categories of legal substances (alcohol, tobacco) and illegal substances (Cocaine, Cannabis). Findings lend support to the hypothesis that people who score higher on conscientiousness will be less likely to use substances, particularly illicit substances. This inquiry found that impulsivity influences a person’s ability either react to or sublimate such drives in relation to substance use.
keywords: substance use, conscientiousness, impulsivity