Association Between Perceived Social Support, Self-Concept Clarity, and Cannabis Use Issues

Authors: Serena Suchdeve, Georgi Hirschegger, Lina Begdache

Field of Study: Biological Sciences

Program Affiliation: B-SMART

Faculty Mentors: Lina Begdache

Easel: 26

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Cannabis use is a major issue among college students. This study examines the association between cannabis use issues, perceived social support, and self-concept clarity. Data were collected via Google Form survey, distributed through social media and University outreach. Cannabis use issues were measured using the Cannabis Use Disorder Test (CUDIT-R) and Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), perceived social support with the Perceived Community Scale and Social Connectedness Scale, and self-concept clarity with the Self-Esteem Scale. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS 28.0. Cannabis use issues were positively correlated with lower perceived social support (p<0.01) and lower self-concept clarity (p<0.01). Furthermore, lack of perceived social support and lack of self-concept clarity were positively correlated (p<0.01). These findings suggest that perceived social support and self-concept clarity may protect against cannabis use issues, or indicate a possible cyclic relationship between the three variables.