Correlates of Gambling Behaviours Among Day Traders: Evidence from a National Study

Although research examining the relationship between participation in financial speculation (e.g., purchasing penny stocks, shorting stocks, cryptocurrency trading, and day trading) is sparse, findings consistently indicate that engaging in speculative activities is associated with problematic gambling behaviour. For the present study, gamblers across Canada who had or had not also engaged in day trading were surveyed. A total of n = 467 day traders and n = 9,558 non-day traders were compared in terms of their sociodemographic backgrounds, gambling habits, primary gambling motives, and endorsement of gambling fallacies. Male gender, racial/ethnic minority status, higher educational attainment and income, not working or studying full- or part-time, participation in a larger number of gambling activities, and lower endorsement of coping motives were associated with day trading involvement. Furthermore, lower income, participation in a larger number of gambling activities, greater endorsement of gambling fallacies, and not showing a preference for either skill- or chance-based games predicted moderate-risk-to-problem gambling behaviour among day traders. This research provides insight into factors that may underlie day traders' susceptibility to experiencing gambling problems.

A Comparative Profile of Online, Offline, and Mixed-Mode Problematic Gamblers' Gambling Involvement, Motives, and HEXACO Personality Traits

Few studies have compared gamblers who play in exclusively online (i.e., Internet-based), exclusively offline (i.e., land-based), and mixed-mode contexts. In studies that have compared these groups, mixed-mode gamblers have consistently exhibited the greatest susceptibility to problematic gambling. In order to expand the scope of previous research that has compared gamblers based on their preferred mode of play, and to improve understanding of mixed-mode gamblers' proneness to problematic gambling, a sample of gamblers who play in exclusively online, exclusively offline, and mixed-mode contexts were compared on indices of gambling involvement, motives, and personality traits. Results indicated that mixed-mode gamblers played a wider range of games, and reported higher problematic gambling severity scores, higher scores on enhancement and social gambling motive scales, and lower and higher honesty-humility and extraversion personality scores, respectively. Associations between gambling motives and personality traits are discussed in relation to the role that these characteristics might play in mixed-mode gamblers' increased risk of gambling-related harm.

Anticipated Motives for Gambling Treatment in Adults from the U.S

Prior works note that identifying problematic play is a leading barrier to treatment seeking, contributing to low treatment rates in those with gambling problems (e.g., Bijker et al., 2022; Suurvali et al., 2012a). While research has looked at treatment seekers' motives for treatment (Gainsbury et al., 2014; Suurvali et al., 2012b), the situations or signs (anticipated motives) individuals look for that suggest they would need treatment in the future remains unknown. Participants were gamblers (N = 1,791) from a census-matched U.S. sample of adults who reported no concerns about their gambling. Participants completed questions assessing how much money they would have to lose while gambling to think they might have a problem and what factors might motivate them to pursue treatment for gambling problems in the future. Participants reported a wide range of financial loss that would suggest they had a problem, and higher income men who gambled more frequently reported higher necessary losses. There was little variation in endorsement (40-60%) of 14 situations that may lead them to seek treatment in the future (e.g., felt guilty). However, income, gender identity, and problem gambling behavior were linked to the endorsement of some of these anticipated motives, with some differences in endorsement between those engaging in high- and low-level problem gambling. Collectively, results are consistent with the inference that many individuals may not be aware of what problematic gambling would look like for them, though income, gender identity, and problem gambling behavior may impact their consideration of anticipated motives.

Aging and Caring: Exploring Older Adults' Motivation for Informal Caregiving to Other Aging Individuals in Nigeria

Background and Objectives

Because of the global population aging, more informal carers become older adults. In Nigeria, the African country with the largest population of adults aged 60 years and older, self-construal rooted in the African collectivist philosophy generally shapes informal caregiving for older adults. However, there is a general paucity of studies on older adults' informal caregiving roles, particularly about their motivations for caregiving. This study explored older adults' motives for informal caregiving to their care recipients in urban Southeast Nigeria.

Research Design and Methods

This study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively selected older adults aged 54-88 who were the primary carers of other older adults in the family and community. The collected data were analyzed using van Manen's thematic analysis method, using QSR NVivo 12 software.

Results

A total of 4 main themes emerged from the participants' responses: reciprocity of kindness, altruism, a sense of moral responsibility, and eagerness for peaceful longevity. The findings generally showed that religion and culture were the latent factors ingrained in these motivations for informal caregiving.

Discussion and Implications

Although the African philosophy emphasizes altruism, reciprocity seems more prominent in specific traditional African communities, as observed in Southeast Nigeria. It serves as a means to prioritize family members' needs. The findings indicate the need for the government to establish sustainable programs and policies that support older people in their caregiving role. Doing so will enable carers to derive psychosocial gains from informal caregiving and sustain the caregiving culture of Nigeria.

Measurement invariance of the Marijuana Motives Measure among men and women using Stop Cannabis App

BACKGROUND

Motives to use cannabis play a central role in the development and maintenance of problematic cannabis use and previous studies stressed sex-related differences on motives to use cannabis. However, motives cannot be validly compared in men and women without first establishing the measurement invariance across sex. Therefore, the aim of the study is to (1) examine for the first time the measurement and structural invariance of the Marijuana Motives Measure (MMM) across sex, and (2) to investigate the motives for cannabis use that best explain problematic use.

METHODS

2951 (41.7% women) users of the "Stop cannabis" smartphone app of which 99.8% reported having used cannabis in the last three months completed an online MMM and ASSIST to assess the severity of their problematic cannabis use.

RESULTS

Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses supported measurement invariance across sex, whereas structural invariance was not confirmed. Indeed, group comparisons indicated that women reported greater coping motives then men whereas men showed greater social motives than women. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that only coping and conformity motives were significantly associated with greater problematic cannabis use, whereas neither sex nor the sex by motives interactions were significantly related to problematic cannabis use.

CONCLUSIONS

The MMM appears to function comparably across men and women. Therefore, sex-related comparisons on the questionnaire can be considered valid. Coping and conformity motives may play a central role part in the development of marijuana use problems which may hold implications for intervention development and public policy.

Trends in coping reasons for marijuana use among U.S. adolescents from 2016 to 2022

OBJECTIVE

This study examines historical trends in coping reasons for marijuana use among adolescents (1976-2022) and explores sociodemographic variations in recent years (2016-2022).

METHOD

Data from U.S. national samples of 12th grade adolescents in the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study were used to examine long-term trends (1976-2022, N = 43,237) and recent differences by sociodemographic characteristics (2016-2022, N = 3,816). Measures included marijuana use, coping reasons for use, and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The most prevalent coping reason across time was "relax," endorsed by 52.9% of past 12-month users. Coping reasons mostly exhibited significant increases over time. Sociodemographic factors were associated with coping reasons. Females had higher odds of using marijuana to escape problems and get through the day (vs. males). Black respondents were more likely to use marijuana to get through the day, and Hispanic respondents were more likely to use to relax (vs. White respondents). Those with lower (vs. higher) parental education were more likely to use due to anger/frustration and to escape problems. Adolescents who used marijuana frequently (vs. less often) had higher odds of endorsing all coping reasons. There was no robust evidence of interactions between sociodemographic characteristics and year.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate a consistent increase in coping reasons for adolescent marijuana use over time, with variations based on sociodemographic characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding subpopulations of adolescents who have higher risk of coping-related marijuana use.

Meat reduction among post-secondary students: Exploration of motives, barriers, diets and preferences for meals with partial and full meat substitution

Before developing new meat reduction interventions to support increased sustainability, it is important to understand the motives, diets and preferences of consumers who have already made efforts to reduce meat consumption. While self-declaration has been typically used to identify meat reducers, food frequency data suggests some reducers still identify as omnivores, here termed transitional meat reducers. We compared these "transitional" meat reducers to self-declared meat reducers, unrestricted omnivores and vegetarians/vegans for differences in diet, motives for reducing meat, and perceived barriers to consuming more legumes (dried beans, peas or lentils) and plant-based meat alternative products (PBMAs). We also compared their intention to choose four specific entrees where legumes or PBMAs had partially or fully replaced meat. A convenience sample of Canadian university students completed an online survey (N = 438). 34% of participants were self-declared meat reducers, 16% transitional meat reducers, 33% unrestricted omnivores and 16% vegetarians/vegans. Frequency of eating red meat differed, with self-declared meat reducers eating red meat less often than either transitional meat reducers or unrestricted omnivores. Motives for meat reduction were similar in the two reducer groups. Transitional meat reducers reported significantly more frequent consumption of other protein foods and more barriers to legumes but not PBMA, than either unrestricted omnivores or self-declared meat reducers. Lastly, intention to consume all versions of entrees was very similar in both reducer groups, but with increased preference for full vs partial substitution among self-declared reducers. Transitional meat reducers may be a distinct group for meat reduction interventions compared to omnivores or self-declared reducers.

What Do Young Adults Expect from the Recreational Use of Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine/Molly)? A Latent Class Analysis of a Convenience Sample of Dutch Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

This study offers insights into Dutch young people's expected social and personal consequences of ecstasy use. Substance use expectancies are assumed to be an essential component in explaining substance use behaviour and, therefore, the development of effective substance use prevention and treatment strategies.

METHOD

Dutch young adults with an online interest in drug-related social media posts were targeted with an online survey about their use of alcohol and drugs. This resulted in a convenience sample (N = 4182, 73.4% female, Mage = 21.11), of which 35.5% had used ecstasy at least once in their life and 29.3% had used ecstasy last year. Latent class analyses were used to identify subgroups based on both positive and negative expectancies of ecstasy use. Cross-class differences were examined using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

This study yielded four distinct classes: only negative expectancies (13.6%), high positive and negative expectancies (23.5%), low to moderate positive and negative expectancies (20.6%), and mostly positive expectancies (22.4%). These classes differed significantly in lifetime experience with ecstasy use, intention to use ecstasy, perception of harmfulness and availability, and social norms regarding the use of ecstasy.

CONCLUSION

Findings show that ecstasy use expectancies can be used to create meaningful classes of users and non-users, and that these classes are different enough to warrant varied prevention approaches. Expectancies young people have regarding the use of ecstasy are associated with various ecstasy use-related variables and should be taken into consideration when developing and implementing preventive interventions.

Motor performance in joint action tasks: The impact of dyadic motive fit

In many daily situations, two or more individuals need to coordinate their actions to achieve a common goal and perform successfully. Past research on joint action has predominantly focused on the question of how such interactions are accomplished. Here we focus on the impact of inter-individual, trait-like differences to predict joint action performance. More specifically, we examined whether performance in a joint action task is moderated by the (in)congruence of individuals' motive dispositions. To this end, 27 dyads performed a joint action task in which they had to navigate a ball through a maze with each partner using a joystick and each being responsible for either moving the ball along the x-axis or the y-axis. As dependent measures, we analyzed dyads' performance (times and errors). As trait-like predictors, we assessed implicit and explicit motives by means of the Picture Story Exercise and the Unified Motive Scale, respectively. Linear regression modeling revealed that congruent explicit affiliation motives predict faster best times and that higher congruent implicit achievement motives are associated with reduced errors. Exploratory Response Surface Analyses yielded identical results for the affiliation motive. These findings provide initial evidence to suggest that interindividual differences and in motives as well as their fit are related to joint action performance. Future directions of this new paradigm and novel ways to analyze dyadic motive fits and their relation to joint action performance are discussed.

Problematic social networking sites use and online social anxiety: The role of attachment, emotion dysregulation and motives

Problematic Social Networking Sites Use (PSNSU) and social anxiety are associated. SNSs users may develop online social anxiety that may become a standalone problem. The present study aims to test the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and motives (coping, conformity, social, and enhancement) between attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and two outcomes (PSNSU and online social anxiety) in an integrated theory-driven model. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 756 SNSs users (50.4 % females; mean age = 28.74 years, SD = 8.00). Results of the path analysis supported the partial mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the association between attachment anxiety and both the outcomes and the serial mediating role via four and three motives in the association with PSNSU and online social anxiety, respectively. This study highlighted the role of several relational, emotional, and motivational factors that should be taken into account to tackle PSNSU and online social anxiety through clinical and prevention interventions.

Barriers, facilitators, and motives to provide distance care, and the consequences for distance caregivers: A mixed-methods systematic review

RATIONALE

Distance caregivers (DCGs) are a growing population with substantial contributions to informal care. While much is known about the provision of local informal care, evidence from the distance caregiving population is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-method systematic review examines barriers and facilitators of distance caregiving, determinants of motivations and willingness to provide distance care, and the impact on caregiver outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was conducted in four electronic databases and grey literature to minimise potential publication bias. Thirty-four studies, including 15 quantitative, 15 qualitative, and 4 mixed-method studies were identified. Data synthesis involved a convergent integrated approach to integrate quantitative with qualitative findings, followed by thematic synthesis to identify key themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

Barriers and facilitators of providing distance care included contextual and socioeconomic aspects of geographic distance, communication and information resources, and local support networks that shaped the distance caregiver role and caregiver involvement. The main motives for caregiving given by DCGs were cultural values and beliefs, societal norms, and perceived expectations of caregiving encompassing the sociocultural context of the caregiving role. Interpersonal relationships and individual characteristics further shaped DCGs' motivations and willingness to care from a geographic distance. DCGs experienced both positive and negative outcomes as a result of their distance caretaking responsibilities including feelings of satisfaction, personal growth, and enhanced relationship with the care recipient but also high levels of caregiver burden, social isolation, emotional distress, and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The reviewed evidence contributes toward novel understandings about the unique nature of distance care and have important implications for research, policy, healthcare, and social practice.

Self-Generated Motives of Social Casino Gamers

Social casino games have achieved widespread popularity, and are accessed by more than 85 million people each day. Yet, why people play social casino games is largely unknown. To address this gap, an inductive approach was taken to better understand the motives for playing social casino games, as well as the motives for transitioning from social casino gaming to gambling and vice versa. To this end, 269 social casino gamers were asked to provide a ranked list of their motives for playing social casino games. Additionally, we asked participants their motivations for transitioning from gambling to social casino gaming (n = 202) or vice versa (n = 67). A total of 795, 605, and 201 unique responses describing motives for playing social casino games, transitioning from social casino gaming to gambling, and transitioning from gambling to social casino gaming, respectively, were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. The most frequently endorsed motive for playing social casino games was for enhancement (e.g., fun, challenge). Participants also noted playing to earn rewards, including money, and for social reasons. Several motives linked social casino game play to gambling. These included: to hone gambling-related 'skills', a desire to transition to gambling to win real money, and as a gambling harm-reduction strategy. Motives for playing social casino games did not differ significantly between those who first gambled and then transitioned to social casino gaming and vice versa, suggesting that once people begin playing social casino games, they have similar motives for continued engagement. The present study contributes to understanding the immense popularity of social casino games and their links to gambling.

Problematic social media use is statistically predicted by using social media for coping motives and by positive reinforcement processes in individuals with high COVID-19-related stress levels

It is important to understand the relationship between stress and problematic use of social media (PUSM). However, no study to our knowledge has yet investigated the longitudinal relationship between perceived stress and PUSM via positive and negative reinforcement processes. The present study investigated relationships between COVID-19-pandemic-related stress and PUSM and possible moderating effects of motives for using social media (positive and/or negative reinforcement) during and following a COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown. Six-hundred-and-sixty participants initially completed a survey including self-report measures of PUSM, COVID-19-pandemic-related stress, and motives for using social media (i.e., for negative reinforcement involving coping and conformity or positive reinforcements involving enhancement and social motives). During the COVID-19 outbreak recovery period, 117 participants again completed the survey. Bayesian analyses revealed that PUSM was associated with higher COVID-19-pandemic-related stress levels and use of social media for coping, conformity, and enhancement purposes. Longitudinally, PUSM symptom worsening was associated with increased use of social media for coping motives regardless of levels of perceived stress. Use of social media for conformity and enhancement purposes moderated relationships between stress levels during lockdown and PUSM symptoms worsening after lockdown. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that negative reinforcement processes may be key factors in PUSM symptom worsening regardless of perceived stress. Concurrently, high levels of stress may worsen PUSM through positive reinforcement processes.

Cannabis-related problems and social anxiety: The roles of sex and cannabis use motives updated

Individuals with elevated social anxiety are particularly susceptible to cannabis problems, and sex differences in factors underlying this relation have been identified - e.g., among those with elevated social anxiety, men may use cannabis to cope with negative affect (NA) generally whereas women may use to cope with social anxiety specifically. This study examined the relations between social anxiety and cannabis-related behaviors by sex among 401 (75.3% female) undergraduates who endorsed past-month cannabis use. Among both sexes, social anxiety was related to more cannabis problems and coping (to decrease NA generally) and social anxiety (to manage NA in social situations) motives. Among men (not women), social anxiety was related to less frequent cannabis use and more conformity (to fit in with others) motives. Among women (not men), social anxiety was related to more enjoyment, experimentation, boredom alleviation, altered perceptions (to modulate perceptual experiences), and relatively low risk (perceived low risk) motives. The relation between social anxiety and cannabis problems occurred indirectly via coping motives for both sexes, and among men (not women) via conformity motives. Among women (not men), social anxiety was indirectly related to cannabis problems via enjoyment, experimentation, boredom, altered perceptions, and social anxiety motives. Findings suggest that among those with elevated social anxiety, men and women appear to use cannabis for different reasons, and that these reasons may play different roles in cannabis problem risk among men and women. Data highlight the importance of considering sex in efforts to understand the role of social anxiety in cannabis-related behaviors.

Development and initial validation of an MDMA/Ecstasy motives assessment

OBJECTIVE

MDMA/Ecstasy motives differ from those of other substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine. Previous literature on alcohol and cannabis use identified social, expansion, enhancement, coping, and conformism as primary motives for use. MDMA/Ecstasy users also report using the drug for increases in self-awareness and energy. The development of an MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment has potential to inform treatment interventions and public policy on harm reduction.

METHOD

An MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment was developed from alcohol and cannabis motives measures and qualitative feedback from MDMA/Ecstasy users. Participants included an international sample of adults (N = 1754) who completed an online questionnaire regarding their motives for using recreational MDMA/Ecstasy.

RESULTS

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor MDMA/Ecstasy motives scale. The four motive scales showed good internal consistency reliabilitySocial (α = 0.88) Expansion (α = 0.81), Coping (α = 0.82), and Energy (α = 0.75). Conformity and Enhancement did not emerge as significant factors. Analyses demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity with relevant constructs including quantity/frequency of use, MDMA use disorder, sensation seeking personality, and positive and negative consequences of use.

CONCLUSIONS

MDMA/Ecstasy use motives differ from those of other substances due to the distinctly stimulating, emotional, and empathic effects sought by users. By identifying salient MDMA/Ecstasy motives, this study highlights the unique aspects of recreational MDMA/Ecstasy use. This research has utility for informing clinical practice and contributing to public health harm reduction efforts.

Czech Adolescents' Face-to-Face Meetings With People from the Internet: The Role of Adolescents' Motives and Expectations

Research of face-to-face meetings between adolescents and people met online stands on untested assumptions that these meetings are uniform, and adolescents attend them to expand their social circle. It is also unclear what makes such meetings pleasant or unpleasant. This study examined meetings of 611 Czech adolescents (age 11-16, M_age = 14.04, SD = 1.67, 47.1% female). Face-to-face meetings attended with friendly, romantic, or instrumental motives differed from each other, emphasizing the need to investigate them separately. Pleasantness of meetings is closely related to disconfirmation of adolescents' expectations. Unmet expectations related to unpleasant meetings, exceeded expectations to pleasant ones. While present findings uphold existing theories (e.g., social compensation), they also call for new theoretical perspectives for this common adolescents' activity.

Graphical Representation of the Movements of Motives of Consciousness in Leontyev's Activity Theory

The present study aims at giving a graphical representation of the movements of motives of consciousness in Leontyev's Activity Theory. In addition, related works concerning "vertical" and "horizontal" in the area of cultural historical activity theory are presented along with demonstrating Leontyev's conceptual distinctions, in a multimodal way, including pastoral psychology and technology. Finally, the last part suggests answers to Vygotsky's and Leontyev's fundamental questions.

Measuring the motives of informal entrepreneurs

Background - Handling non-observed activities pose major challenges to the governments and other stakeholders. Non-observed activities refer to underground activities, illegal activities, informal sector and any other activities that result in goods or services consumed by the household. The impact of these non-observed activities shows that the volume of people involved in the informal sector will rapidly increase. Informal economic activities are technically illegal yet are not intended as antisocial,   thereby remaining acceptable to many individuals within the society. This research aimed to identify the factors that lead to entrepreneurial necessity and opportunity.   Methods - The data of 51 respondents who were employed as informal entrepreneurs in Klang Valley areas in Malaysia was collected with the use of a questionnaire and convenient and proportionate sampling techniques. The data were analysed using SPSS software.   Results - The two primary drivers of informal entrepreneurial activity were necessity and opportunity. The inability to find a formal job was an example of being driven by necessity. Meanwhile, individuals that are driven by opportunity chose to work independently in these informal sectors. Between necessity and engagement, refinement acted as a mediator. Often, necessity and opportunity do not automatically translate into successful entrepreneurship; further refinement is required in terms of market potential, technology usage, location preferences, and capital requirements. Improved refinement results in increased entrepreneurial engagement.  Conclusions - The role and contribution of the informal sector entrepreneurship in economic development need to be evaluated and not just observed as an opportunity for individuals who choose this type of career. Therefore, further research is required in a wider variety of contexts to evaluate whether the same remains true in different populations. The results of this study can be useful for the government to set policies to encourage the transition of informal to formal entrepreneurships in Malaysia.

Infodemic and fake news - A comprehensive overview of its global magnitude during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021: A scoping review

The spread of fake news increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. This study aims to synthesize the extant literature to understand the magnitude of this phenomenon in the wake of the pandemic in 2021, focusing on the motives and sociodemographic profiles, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools developed, and the top trending topics related to fake news. A scoping review was adopted targeting articles published in five academic databases (January 2021-November 2021), resulting in 97 papers. Most of the studies were empirical in nature (N = 69) targeting the general population (N = 26) and social media users (N = 13), followed by AI-based detection tools (N = 27). Top motives for fake news sharing include low awareness, knowledge, and health/media literacy, Entertainment/Pass Time/Socialization, Altruism, and low trust in government/news media, whilst the phenomenon was more prominent among those with low education, males and younger. Machine and deep learning emerged to be the widely explored techniques in detecting fake news, whereas top topics were related to vaccine, virus, cures/remedies, treatment, and prevention. Immediate intervention and prevention efforts are needed to curb this anti-social behavior considering the world is still struggling to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Veganism during the COVID-19 pandemic: Vegans' and nonvegans' perspectives

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered growing public interest in veganism, veganism's conceptualization remains ambiguous. Moreover, vegans' and nonvegans' different perspectives have rarely been addressed. Hence, this study involved the opinions of both vegans and nonvegans in the COVID-19 context to understand their attitudes, motivations, and opinions related to veganism. We analyzed online discourses in vegan and antivegan online communities using Word2Vec analysis and qualitative analysis. We identified lists of terms associated with three key veganism dimensions (i.e., lifestyle, animal rights, and food). Moreover, we compared actual online discussions among vegans to those among nonvegans regarding specific veganism attributes. This study preliminarily identifies specific attributes associated with veganism in online discourse among vegans. The issues addressed in this study can be tested in future research. Our findings can also be useful for people in various stages of veganism-such as active vegans, people who are interested in veganism, or even nonvegans who are uninterested in veganism-to comprehend the different perceptions prevailing in each group.

Daily impulsivity is associated with alcohol use and problems via coping motives, but not enhancement motives

BACKGROUND

The present study sought to determine daily associations between impulsivity, coping and enhancement motives, alcohol use, and alcohol problems in the natural environment.

METHODS

Participants were 89 (47 women) heavy drinking, college students from a university in the southeastern U.S. who completed a 14-day ecological momentary assessment study. Each day, participants completed three random reports of momentary impulsivity and indicators of drinking motives and two additional reports at the beginning and end of any drinking occasions.

RESULTS

A series of multilevel mediation models were tested to examine indirect effects from impulsivity to alcohol use and alcohol problems through coping and enhancement motives. At the within-person level, results revealed that greater than usual impulsivity experienced prior to drinking was associated with greater coping motives, and this in turn was associated with greater number of drinks consumed that day (all p values <0.001). A similar indirect effect was revealed when impulsivity predicted alcohol problems that day through coping motives (p values range: <0.001 to .01). Greater enhancement motives than usual were associated with greater number of drinks consumed and alcohol problems experienced that day (p values range: <0.001 to.001), but associations with impulsivity were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings supported daily fluctuations in drinking to cope motives as a salient mechanism explaining the link between daily impulsivity and level of alcohol use and alcohol problems. Fluctuations in daily impulsivity were associated with changes in motivations to drink which may benefit efforts aimed at reducing alcohol harms among young adults.

Latent class analysis of drinking game consequences among college drinkers

Participation in drinking games has been identified as one specific alcohol-related context linked to increased risk for heavier alcohol consumption and negative consequences among college students. Despite advances in drinking game research, questions remain about the different types of individuals at risk from participating. The current study utilized latent class analysis to classify individuals based on their endorsement of eight negative drinking game consequences from the Hazardous Drinking Games Measure. Analyses included identification of classes among 656 college students, followed by covariate analyses regressing class membership on motives for playing drinking games, general drinking motives, impulsivity facets, general problematic alcohol use, and specific drinking game behaviors. A total of three classes were identified, including a class with the fewest number of problems, a class with higher rates of hangovers and becoming sick, and a class with relatively higher rates of a majority of the other consequences. Classes differed in endorsement of motives, impulsivity facets, general problematic consumption, and drinking game behaviors. Generally, coping, conformity, and social general drinking motives; conformity and enhancement and thrills motives for playing drinking games; the impulsivity facet of negative urgency; the number of drinks consumed while playing drinking games; playing consumption type drinking games; and general problematic alcohol use were associated with more problematic class membership. Results highlight distinct classes of individuals at risk from drinking game participation. Recommendations for future studies and potential prevention and intervention efforts are also discussed.

Fertility stakeholders' concerns regarding payment for egg and sperm donation in New Zealand and Australia

New Zealand and Australia are countries which currently prohibit donor payment and require open-identity forms of donation. This study explored the concerns of fertility stakeholders regarding payment which would constitute financial reward for gamete donation, and factors predicting such concerns. A total of 434 participants from across New Zealand and Australia completed an online survey anonymously. Participants included those with infertility and treatment experience, donors, recipients, donor-conceived people and clinic professionals. Results indicated that participants' concerns related to their assumptions about the type of donor motivated by financial reward, and the possibility that, if paid, donors might conceal information relevant to treatment and the donor-conceived person. Furthermore, participants were concerned about increasing recipient costs. Participants with personal experience of infertility held stronger concerns overall. Professionals expressed concerns of clinical relevance, such as the withholding of donor information relevant to treatment outcomes. The lowest levels of concern were expressed in relation to payment devaluing the meaning of human life. Qualitatively, themes highlighted concerns regarding payment enticing the 'wrong' type of donor, increased cost to recipients, and concern about the wellbeing of donor-offspring. Collectively, such concerns must be understood against the New Zealand and Australia open-identity donation context which enables the possibility of contact between donors and offspring. These findings indicate that donor recruitment campaigns need to account for different stakeholder concerns, and consider ways to address donor shortages effectively while remaining compliant with legislative requirements.

Examining changes in drinking motives and their influence on drinking behaviors among heavy drinkers during their first year of college

Drinking motives are robustly related to alcohol use behavior from adolescence through young adulthood. Yet, examination of changes in motives during the first year of college, a transitional time associated with both onset of and increases in heavy drinking has been understudied. We examined (a) whether drinking motives change, (b) time-varying effects of motives on alcohol use and consequences, and (c) change in the strength of the association between motives and use and motives and consequences over the first year of college. A sample of 121 heavy drinking first-year students (50% female, 58% Caucasian) completed three assessments (baseline, 3 months, 6 months). Endorsement of social motives declined from 0 to 3 months, while endorsement of coping, enhancement, and conformity motives declined from 3 to 6 months. Social motives were positively associated with alcohol use and consequences across assessments. When motive × time interactions were tested in separate models, the strength of effects of coping motives on drinks per week increased from 0 to 3 months. The strength of the effect of coping and conformity motives on consequences increased from 0 to 3 months and then decreased from 3 to 6 months. Identifying how drinking motives evolve and relate to trajectories of alcohol use may help to understand the development of risky drinking behavior and inform intervention efforts.

Getting high to cope with COVID-19: Modelling the associations between cannabis demand, coping motives, and cannabis use and problems

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people may use substances like cannabis for enhancement or coping purposes. Behavioral economic demand for a substance is a key determinant of its use and misuse and can be measured via hypothetical purchase tasks. Previous research suggests that motivations to use a substance play a mediational role between elevated substance demand and problems, but comparable mechanistic research has yet to be done in the COVID-19 context and on the effects of cannabis demand on cannabis use patterns. Participants (n = 137) were recruited via the online crowdsourcing platform Prolific. Participants completed measures of cannabis use and problems, motivations for cannabis use, and the Marijuana Purchase Task. Two indices of demand, Persistence (i.e., sensitivity to increasing cost of cannabis) and Amplitude (i.e., consumption of cannabis at unrestricted cost), were related to increased cannabis problems via the use motive of coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. This model did not support the mediational role of enhancement motives. Those with increased cannabis demand who tend to use cannabis to cope are at increased risk of experiencing negative cannabis-related consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Different drugs come with different motives: Examining motives for substance use among people who engage in polysubstance use undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT)

BACKGROUND

Substance use motives (i.e., reasons for using a substance) are thought to be the most proximal variable leading to substance use. These motives have been described by various typologies, the most well known being the four-factor drinking motives model which separates motives into enhancement, social, coping, and conformity (Cooper, 1994). Although extensively studied in adult community samples, motives for use have less commonly been investigated among populations at a later stage of addiction, where polysubstance use is more common. Moreover, because the motives literature has largely focused on drinking motives, it is not clear whether existing findings can also be applied to other substances (Cooper et al., 2016).

METHODS

Using Zero-inflated beta Bayesian linear mixed modeling, we investigated the stability of seven distinct substance use motives (enhancement, social, expansion, coping with anxiety, coping with depression, coping with withdrawal, and conformity) across six different drug categories (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and tranquilisers) to determine the extent to which drug class can influence motive endorsement. One-hundred-and-thirty-eight methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) clients (F = 34.1%; M = 65.9%; age = 40.18 years) completed a novel short-form polysubstance motives questionnaire.

RESULTS

External motives (i.e., conformity and social motives) were the most stable across drug categories, while all internal motives (i.e., enhancement, expansion, and all three coping motives) demonstrated varying levels of inter-drug variability.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have important implications for prevention and intervention strategies among people who engage in polysubstance use, highlighting the importance of both universal and substance-specific programming.

Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use

BACKGROUND

Most studies on chemsex focus on the health risks associated with the practice, whereas less attention has been paid to the perception of sexual gratification in men who have sex with men (MSM) who use these substances.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of chemsex substances on sexual response, motivations to engage in chemsex and the relationship with sober sex.

METHODS

Thirty-one Italian cisgender MSM involved in sexualized drug use were interviewed and transcripts were thematically analyzed.

OUTCOMES

An ad hoc grid exploring sociodemographic data, chemsex sexual experience, motives, and relationships with sober sex was used during telephone-based interviews.

RESULTS

Participants showed significant individual differences in how chems may affect their sexual experience. The most reported effects were an increase in sexual desire and subjective arousal, access to higher disinhibition, possible erection and ejaculation difficulties, significant extension of the sexual experience duration, and an intensified perception of intimacy and pleasure. All the positive outcomes of substances on sex creates a great curiosity around chemsex, which is among the primary motives to engage in chemsex for the first time. Over time, other motives may emerge, also connected to substance abuse and craving. Some men reported to be motivated by their partners and friends and to use chemsex to cope with depressive mood/anxiety symptoms, stress and sexual problems. Many differences were reported between chemsex and sober sex. Chemsex seems to embody the idea of transgressive and exciting sex, while sober sex is outlined as a more intimate encounter, that can be significantly affected by performance anxiety.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

These results offer some new perspectives that may add interesting information to the literature and be fundamental for future prevention and harm-reduction projects.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

Although this study is based on a small group of Italian MSM and the interviews were not audio-recorded, transcripts were consistent with scientific literature that considers it important to pay attention to the positive links between sex and substance use.

CONCLUSION

The promotion of safer sexual behavior should contemplate an in-depth discussion and recognition of both pleasurable and distressing aspects of chemsex sexual experience, its motivations over time and perceived differences with sober sex. Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use. J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

A Taxonomy of Employee Motives for Telework

This qualitative research contributes to the telework research literature by identifying and categorizing employee motives for teleworking. Motives for telework contextualize teleworking behavior, represent proximal telework outcomes, and serve as potential boundary conditions for telework-outcome relationships. Role identity theory (Burke & Tully Social Forces, 55(4), 881-897, 1977) and the uncertainty-reduction hypothesis (Hogg & Terry Academy of Management Review, 25, 121-140, 2000) suggest that motives may be driven by role salience and the ability to meet work and nonwork demands. In this research, we sought to identify a comprehensive list of motives as well as reconcile the wide range of categories and labels given to telework motives in the literature. We asked two independent samples of workers comprised of two subsamples of teleworkers (n₁ = 195; n₂ = 97) and a subsample of nonteleworkers (n₃ = 947) why they telework or would like to telework. A total of 2504 reasons were gathered across the three subsamples. Most respondents reported multiple reasons, especially when encouraged to list all of their reasons. After distinguishing preconditions from motives to telework, ten categories emerged from the qualitative data with “avoid commute” emerging as the most frequently reported motive. Other frequently reported motives included “tend to family demands” and “productivity.” Additional motives are discussed along with implications for telework research and policy development and implementation.

Longitudinal associations with alcohol consumption during the first COVID-19 lockdown: Associations with mood, drinking motives, context of drinking, and mental health

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in lockdown measures in the UK, which has impacted alcohol use. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism and there are public health concerns regarding excessive consumption due to the pandemic. We aimed to longitudinally assess drinking behaviors, and associated factors, during the first UK government-mandated lockdown.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed through social media (8^th April 2020, onwards). Fortnightly follow up surveys were emailed to participants. The primary outcome measure was 'weekly unit consumption' and data was collected on a range of potentially related factors: demographics, factors relating to COVID-19 (e.g., health, work status), drinking motives, context of drinking, drinking intentions, mood, depression and anxiety.

FINDINGS

A total of 539 self-selected participants completed the baseline survey, with 186 completing at least 3 follow up surveys for multilevel modelling analysis. Personal coping motives, anxiety, drinking at home alone, and drinking at home with others were positively associated with alcohol consumption during lockdown. The following baseline measures also predicted increased consumption: male gender, lower education, and higher AUDIT scores (based on behavior prior to lockdown). Findings were consistent when utilizing an inverse probability weight to account for predictors of attrition (female, younger age, higher baseline AUDIT scores).

CONCLUSIONS

Those already drinking at hazardous levels were more likely to increase their consumption, as were those who were drinking to cope. As we recover from the pandemic, there is a need for widespread alcohol support, and certain groups may need targeted support.

COVID-19 exposure and diagnosis among college student drinkers: links to alcohol use behavior, motives, and context

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis. College student alcohol use is highly prevalent and primarily occurs in social settings where risk for COVID-19 transmission is heightened. This study explored the associations between alcohol use frequency, quantity, motives, and context with: (i) quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure and (ii) a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. A sample of n = 409 college student drinkers completed an online survey about their health and behaviors during the Fall 2020 semester. Since the start of the semester, 36% of students quarantined and 13% of students received a COVID-19 diagnosis. More frequent alcohol use was associated with increased odds of both quarantine and COVID-19 diagnosis. More frequent drinking for social motives was associated with increased likelihood of quarantine, and more frequent drinking for conformity motives was associated with increased likelihood of COVID-19 diagnosis. Participants who often drank alone or with a small group of friends were about half as likely to have quarantined, while those who often drank with a large group of friends were almost twice as likely to have quarantined. Participants who often drank in a bar or nightclub had almost three times the odds of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Frequent alcohol use and drinking for social and conformity motives and in certain contexts are linked to increased likelihood of COVID-19 exposure and diagnosis. Alcohol use prevention efforts, coupled with messaging to discourage large social gatherings in public places, might help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among college students.

[Motives for the use of psychosocial aftercare services]

BACKGROUND

There are hardly any studies regarding the specific motives for the use of psychosocial aftercare services. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the motives for the use of certain psychosocial aftercare services for people with mental health problems. In particular, the services Ability-Oriented Activity, Mobile Care and Help, Psychosocial Counseling Center and Housing are considered.

METHODS

Data from a client satisfaction surveys which had been conducted on an annual basis over a period of 5 years (2013-2017) were analyzed. Clients were surveyed regarding the importance of 5 motives for service use (getting support with problems; being able to talk to someone about problems; feeling understood; having a space of safety; feeling like they are doing something for their health) using a 5-point response scale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The analyses of the data show that across all services, the motive "feeling understood" is of great importance for the use of psychosocial services. Apart from this motive, it is primarily safety that motivate the use of services of ability-oriented activity and housing. In the case of Mobile Care and Assistance and the Psychosocial Counseling Center, it is predominantly instrumental aspects, such as getting support with problems. In general, it can be seen that the motivational strength, i.e. how important these reasons are for using the service, is highest for the services provided by Mobile Care and Assistance and the Psychosocial Counseling Center.

Motives for walking and cycling when commuting - differences in local contexts and attitudes

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyse what factors that explain individual differences in walking and cycling when commuting in different parts of Sweden. Walking and cycling is potentially accessible all over the country, while well developed public transport is mainly a viable option in densely populated areas.

Methodology

The importance of differences in local characteristics for the choice of transport mode will be scrutinised, together with individual differences in attitudes andpreferences. Data is collected through a survey sent to people living in five Swedish municipalities with different demographic, socio-economic ,infrastructural and geographical characteristics.

Results

The results for the pooled sample indicate that the choice to walk/cycle when commuting is related to health considerations and environmental concerns. Distance to work/school is also an important factor. Men tend to be more prone to choose active transport, and so do respondents with lower income. The results further reveal that availability of safe routes for walking and cycling are important for the choice to walk/cycle when commuting. As health considerations are important, we suggest policy makers to stress health motives when they promote walking and cycling in the future. Our results further suggest that it is important to consider availability and accessibility in community planning, and to prioritize safety and comfort of walking and cycling, not least in parts of the country where public transport is not an economically viable option.

To share or not to share - The underlying motives of sharing fake news amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

This study investigates the underlying motives for online fake news sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented time that witnessed a spike in the spread of false content. Motives were identified based on a fake news sharing model developed using the SocioCultural-Psychological-Technology (SCulPT) model, Uses and Gratification (U&G) theory and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and further extended using fake news predictors/gratifications from past studies. A self-administered survey resulted in 869 online Malaysian respondents aged between 18 and 59 years old (Mean = 22.6, Standard deviation = 6.13). Structured equation modelling revealed the fake news sharing model to collectively account for 49.2 % of the variance, with Altruism (β = 0.333; p < 0.001), Ignorance (β = 0.165; p < 0.001) and Entertainment (β = 0.139; p < 0.001) significantly predicting the behaviour. Conversely, Availability/Effort, Pass Time and Fear of Missing Out were found to be insignificant. Our findings indicate that fake news sharing behavior is determined by different motives, hence these need to be understood in order to develop better solutions to mitigate this problem.

"What Are You Looking For?" Investigating the Association Between Dating App Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors

Introduction

Literature on the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors is still scant and inconclusive.

Aim

To investigate the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors, considering the role of motives for using them.

Methods

1,278 Italian respondents completed an online questionnaire assessing demographics, motives and patterns of dating app use, sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnoses. One-way ANOVA and Chi-squared analyses were used to investigate differences among the three subsamples (active vs former vs non-users). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were run to investigate the role of demographics, motives and patterns of dating app use on sexual risk taking and sexual health.

Main outcome measures

Number of protected and unprotected full sexual partners in the last year; frequency of hook-ups in the last year; STIs lifetime.

Results

Active users, even more than former app users, were more likely to report risky behaviors and STI diagnoses than non-users (χ² = 26.37, P < .001). Installing the apps to find friends or romantic partners was associated with less protected (find friends B = −0.364, P = .015; find romantic partners B = −0.300, P = .006) and unprotected (find friends B = −0.346, P = .016; find romantic partners B = −0.360, P < .001) sexual intercourses. Installing the apps to find sexual partners predicted higher odds of unprotected sexual activity (B = 0.193, P = .048), hook-ups (B = 0.496, P < .001) and STIs diagnoses (OR = 2.835, P = .025). Accessing apps more frequently and more years of usage was associated with reporting risky sexual behaviors and STI diagnoses among active users (app access frequency OR = 1.461, P = .003; usage years OR = 1.089, P = .013).

Conclusion

Installing the apps to search for sexual partners, using them at length since first installation and accessing them frequently are significant factors in influencing the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors. Flesia L, Fietta V, Foresta C, Monaro M. “What Are You Looking For?” Investigating the Association Between Dating App Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors. Sex Med 2021;9:100405.

The relationship of motive disposition and situational incentives to individual differences in choking under pressure

Motive disposition theory posits that individuals exhibit stable differences in their achievement, affiliation, and power motives - shaping their capacity to perceive performance, social affiliative, or competitive contexts as rewarding. Whereas this approach has been employed in research on individual differences in motor performance, it has not been considered in predicting individual differences in choking under pressure. Typical pressure manipulations often use competitive or team settings which also constitute prime examples of power and affiliation incentives. Consequently, we hypothesized participants' affiliation (vs. power) motive to be related to golf putting performance in team (vs. competitive) settings. In addition, due to the performance feedback provided by the task, it should also generally appeal to participants high in achievement motivation. Specifically, after a familiarization phase a total of 115 participants completed a baseline assessment of golf putting performance, followed by an experimental block manipulating the task's incentives (competition, team, control) between participants. Analysis of participants' previously assessed motives revealed that both participants' affiliation and achievement motive were positively related to performance (variable error) under pressure. No effects emerged for the power motive. These findings highlight the role of personality differences in predicting motor performance variability in pressure situations. We discuss the specific contributions of projective and self-report motive measures and touch upon possible avenues for coaches and practitioners to counter choking effects.

Sociodemographic differences in motives for food selection: results from the LoCard cross-sectional survey

Background

Although sociodemographic differences in dietary intake have been widely studied, the up-to-date evidence on the corresponding variations in motives for food selection is limited. We investigated how sociodemographic characteristics and special diets in households are associated with the relative importance of various food motives.

Methods

Participants were members of the S Group loyalty card program across Finland who consented to release their grocery purchase data to be used for research purposes and responded to a web-based questionnaire in 2018 (LoCard study). Self-reported information on sociodemographic factors (age, gender, marital status, living situation, education, household income), special diets in household and food motives (Food Choice Questionnaire) were utilized in the present analyses (N = 10,795). Age- and gender-adjusted linear models were performed separately for each sociodemographic predictor and motive dimension (derived by factor analysis) outcome. The importance of each sociodemographic predictor was evaluated based on an increase in R² value after adding the predictor to the age- and gender-adjusted model.

Results

Age emerged as a central determinant of food motives with the following strongest associations: young adults emphasized convenience (∆R² = 0.09, P < 0.001) and mood control (∆R² = 0.05, P < 0.001) motives more than middle-aged and older adults. The relative importance of cheapness decreased with increasing socioeconomic position (SEP) (∆R² = 0.08, P < 0.001 for income and ∆R² = 0.04, P < 0.001 for education). However, the price item (“is good value for money”) depicting the concept of worth did not distinguish between SEP categories. Considerations related to familiarity of food were more salient to men (∆R² = 0.02, P < 0.001) and those with lower SEP (∆R² = 0.03, P < 0.001 for education and ∆R² = 0.01, P < 0.001 for income). Respondents living in households with a vegetarian, red-meat-free, gluten-free or other type of special diet rated ethical concern as relatively more important than households with no special diets (∆R² = 0.02, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We observed sociodemographic differences in a range of food motives that might act as barriers or drivers for adopting diets that benefit human and planetary health. Interventions aiming to narrow SEP and gender disparities in dietary intake should employ strategies that take into account higher priority of familiarity and price in daily food selection in lower-SEP individuals and males.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01139-2.

A latent class analysis of cannabis use products in a general population sample of adolescents and their association with paranoia, hallucinations, cognitive disorganisation and grandiosity

Adolescents have access to a wide range of cannabis products with patterns of use becoming increasingly diverse. This study aimed to identify subgroups of adolescents in the general population who use similar types of cannabis and their association with psychotic experiences. Data on cannabis use were obtained from 467 adolescents aged between 16 and 17 years. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified groups of adolescents based on the type of cannabis used in the past 12 months. Univariate analysis explored differences in socio-demographics, substance use and mental health symptoms between groups. Multivariate analysis examined associations between class membership and psychotic experiences controlling for frequency and amount of cannabis. Finally, we explored the association between motives for cannabis and class membership using multi-nominal logistic regression. LCA identified 3 classes of adolescents: (i) herbal only (47.9%); (ii) skunk only (20.8%) and (3) mixed use (31.3%). Relative to non-users, skunk only use was associated with a 2-fold increase in paranoia (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.29-4.63), along with, sleep disturbance and anxiety. Monthly cannabis use and consuming 2 or more joints on one occasion was associated with a 2-fold increase in hallucinations (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.0-4.8 and OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2-3.2), but did not reach the Bonferroni corrected p-value. Expansion and conformity motives differentiated the mixed cannabis class from the herbal only class. The findings suggest that different subgroups of cannabis users exist in adolescence as defined by the type of cannabis consumed and are differentially related to psychotic experiences and motives for use.

Prescription Opioid Misuse Motives in US Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate age-based differences in prescription opioid misuse (POM) motives and to evaluate substance use and mental and physical health correlates of POM motive categories in older adults.

DESIGN

Data were from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative US survey.

SETTING

The NSDUH is a household survey.

SUBJECTS

A total of 5,826 US residents with past-year POM; 415 were 50 years and older (7.1%).

METHODS

Nine POM motives were assessed among those engaged in past-year POM, grouped into three categories: solely physical pain relief, solely non-pain relief, or mixed motives. Prevalence of POM motives were calculated by age group, with logistic models examining age-based differences. Finally, odds of substance use and mental and physical health correlates by motive category were calculated via logistic models in older adults.

RESULTS

POM motivated solely by physical pain relief increased from 35.1% in young adults to 65.4% in older adults; in older adults, 84.7% of POM episodes involved pain relief as a motive. POM for solely non-pain relief or mixed motives was associated with greater odds, vs pain relief only, of past-year benzodiazepine misuse (odds ratio [OR] = 4.43 and 6.15, respectively), any substance use disorder (OR = 5.57 and 5.60, respectively), and suicidal ideation (OR = 4.05 and 3.56, respectively) in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

. POM motives change over the lifespan, with increasing POM for pain relief with aging. Comprehensive nonopioid pain management is needed for those engaged in POM for pain relief, and substance use and mental health treatment are needed for those with non-pain relief motives.

Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised: Psychometric Validation in a Psychiatric Sample of Young Adults with Predominantly Polysubstance Use

INTRODUCTION

Measures of motives for alcohol use provide an important avenue for understanding underlying psychological reasons that drive substance use and predict distinct patterns of use. The Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (MDMQ-R; Grant, Stewart, O'Connor, Blackwell, Conrod, 2007) measures five drinking motives: social, enhancement, conformity, coping-with-anxiety, and coping-with-depression. The MDMQ-R and its predecessors have previously been validated only in non-clinical normative samples.

PURPOSE

Therefore, the present study aimed to validate the factor structure and internal consistency of the MDMQ-R in a diverse psychiatric sample of substance-using young adults that presented with either exclusive alcohol use or polysubstance use.

METHOD

Participants were 255 substance-using young adults (18-26 years; M = 21.17) admitted to the young adult partial hospitalization treatment program at a private psychiatric hospital (62% female; 78% White; 43% students).

RESULTS

A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that items loaded on their respective latent factors (ps < 0.01; loadings between 0.50 and 0.90; reliabilities between 0.80 and 0.94). However, goodness of fit statistics were not reflective of model fit found in Grant et al. (2007) in the overall sample, as well as in alcohol-only and polysubstance-using samples.

DISCUSSION

Results suggest that the factor structure of the MDMQ-R did not replicate in the present sample. Potential explanations and future directions are discussed in light of the results, including generalizability and clinical utility.

Longitudinal examination of coping-motivated marijuana use and problematic outcomes among emerging adults

OBJECTIVE

Cross-sectional research shows that coping-motivated marijuana use is associated with marijuana use and problems. However, limited research has examined how coping-motivated use might longitudinally relate to these outcomes. We examined the temporal relationship of coping-motivated marijuana use with severity of use and marijuana-related problems.

METHOD

Participants were 226 emerging adults, aged 18-25 years old, who currently used marijuana. Multilevel generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between change in coping motives with change in frequency of marijuana use and marijuana problem severity from baseline to 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

In the adjusted models, frequency of marijuana use was positively associated with between subject differences (IRR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.30, 1.71; p < .001) but not within subject change over time (IRR = 1.09; 95%CI: 0.97, 1.22; p = .139) in use of marijuana to cope. Additionally, marijuana problem severity scores were associated positively with between subject differences (IRR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.21, 1.75; p < .001) and within subject changes over time (IRR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.57; p < .01) in use of marijuana to cope.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in coping-motivated use of marijuana in emerging adults were directionally associated with changes in marijuana use and marijuana problems up to 12 months post-baseline. Results highlight the possible bi-directional relationship between coping motives and marijuana use and problems. Findings could be valuable in helping practitioners go beyond quantity and frequency as sufficient metrics of marijuana use problems. Motives for use may reflect additional problems and the clinical need to explore these possibilities.

Drunkorexia: Normative behavior or gateway to alcohol and eating pathology?

Drunkorexia is characterized by a group of behaviors designed to minimize caloric intake while maximizing levels of alcohol intoxication. Individuals plan and modify their diet, via skipping meals, exercising, or purging, to save calories for a night of alcohol consumption. Minimal research has examined risk factors related to drunkorexia, and little is known regarding associated problems. We used structural equation modeling to test associations between coping and enhancement motives, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating (i.e., bulimia behaviors) and drinking among an at-risk college population (N = 364). Drive for thinness and alcohol coping motives were positively associated with drunkorexia. Notably, drunkorexia was associated with alcohol-related outcomes, but not bulimia. While common risk factors are shared with eating pathology, drunkorexia appears to be a unique construct apart from bulimia behaviors. Results indicate drunkorexia behaviors may extend past normative drinking and place individuals at increased risk of alcohol-related problems. The current study contributes to greater understanding of functional models and maladaptive outcomes related to drunkorexia behaviors.

Prevalence and Correlates of Medicinal Cannabis Use Among Adolescents

PURPOSE

Prior studies of medicinal cannabis use (MCU) have focused primarily on adults. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of self-reported MCU among adolescents.

METHODS

Secondary school students (grades 9-12; N = 3,221) completed a cross-sectional survey in classrooms across Ontario, Canada, in 2016-2017. Participants reported on cannabis use behavior, cannabis dependence, other drugs use, and general health and sleep. Participants reporting cannabis use in the past year were grouped based on whether they reported MCU or not (i.e., recreational cannabis use only [RCU-only]).

RESULTS

An estimated 6.89% (95% confidence interval 5.48%-8.63%) of students reported MCU, representing one quarter of the students reporting current cannabis use. Relative to the RCU-only group, the MCU group reported using cannabis more frequently, were more likely to report vaping and eating cannabis, had greater risk for cannabis dependence, perceived cannabis as less harmful, were more likely to report tobacco use, recreational use of other drugs, and medicinal use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and were less likely to report good health and sleeping for seven or more hours per night. Frequency of cannabis use accounted for differences between MCU and RCU-only groups in cannabis dependence risk, recreational use of other drugs, and perceiving cannabis as harmful, but it did not account for the other differences.

CONCLUSIONS

A sizable portion of secondary school students report MCU, which appears to be associated with more frequent cannabis use and certain substance use and health-related correlates. Research is needed to further characterize motives for self-reported MCU among adolescents.

Motivations to combine alcohol and nicotine in college students: A validation of the Alcohol and Nicotine Motives Scale

INTRODUCTION

Research on combining alcohol and nicotine (ALCNIC) has shown this risky behavior results in significantly more consequences than using either alcohol or nicotine alone. No measures currently exist to assess ALCNIC motives limiting intervention and prevention efforts. The present study developed a psychometrically sound and multidimensional measure of ALCNIC motives (the ANMS).

METHODS

An initial item pool of ALCNIC items was developed from literature on college student drinking, focus groups, and individual interviews. Study 1 involved students from a northeastern university who completed an online survey on the ALCNIC items (N = 55; 57.1% female; Mage = 20.3). Analysis focused on reliability (exploratory factor analysis). Study 2 involved a cross-validation national sample of college students (N = 336; 49.7% female; Mage = 21.2) completing the same survey items. Confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity (ALCNIC/weekend drinking), and discriminant validity (social desirability) were assessed using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Results across two studies revealed three factors to engage in ALCNIC: antagonistic (party longer), synergistic (enhanced effects), and social (peer pressure); and one factor to avoid ALCNIC: negative effects (feeling anxious) (all alphas > 0.7). In study 2, criterion-related validity revealed that synergistic motives were significantly positively associated with ALCNIC use; and negative effects motives were significantly negatively associated with ALCNIC use. Discriminant validity showed ALCNIC subscales were not significantly associated with social desirability (except social).

CONCLUSIONS

The study developed a reliable and valid measure of motives for ALCNIC use. Results were robust to cross-validation across two samples of college students. These measures provide targets for intervention and prevention efforts.

Unplanned vs. planned drinking: Event-level influences of drinking motives and affect

OBJECTIVE

Problematic alcohol involvement in college students remains a public health concern and identifying factors that promote this consequential behavior as it occurs in daily life is critical. Recent work has found that whether a drinking event is unplanned vs. planned has implications for the risk of negative consequences, though less work has identified fine-grained predictors of these two types of drinking occasions.

METHOD

The present study examined drinking motives and positive and negative affect as predictors of unplanned vs. planned drinking in a sample of college students who completed 28 days of ecological momentary assessment (N = 96; 72% White; 52% female). We examined drinking motives reported at two points: (1) in real-time upon initiating drinking and (2) after one day of retrospection (collected at the daily diary report assessing the prior day). Positive and negative affect were both assessed in real-time. Generalized linear mixed-effects models disentangling within- and between-person effects were leveraged.

RESULTS

Drinking "to get high, buzzed, or drunk" - when retrospectively reported for prior-day drinking - exhibited within-person associations with planned drinking, relative to unplanned drinking. This same effect was marginally significant when ascertained in real-time. Individuals with more frequent retrospective endorsement of the motive "to make the day/night more fun" reported more planned drinking. Higher real-time positive affect, but not negative affect, was marginally associated with planned drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide preliminary support that enhancement motives and higher positive affect are related to planned drinking, which may inform the development of momentary interventions.

Is binge-watching addictive? Effects of motives for TV series use on the relationship between excessive media consumption and problematic viewing habits

•

Binge-watching frequency and motives explain problematic viewing behaviors.

•

However, binge-watching is not a problematic behavior per se.

•

Frequently bingeing can promote problematic viewing habits.

•

Recreational motifs for binge-watching attenuate indicators for problematic viewing.

•

While social interaction, learning, escapism, loneliness, and stimulation promote them. We hope this is possible.

•

The latter interact with the frequency of use in nurturing the development of problematic habits.

This study investigates the circumstances under which binge-watching can become a problematic behavior. Applying a user-centered perspective, it demonstrates how different motivations to engage in high-dosage TV series consumption influence the occurrence of problematic viewing habits. A quantitative online survey of N = 415 media users with access to at least one streaming service was conducted. The questionnaire assessed current viewing habits, motivations to watch series, and indicators of problematic viewing habits. The results suggest that frequency of use, motives to engage in high dosage viewing sessions, as well as the combined effect of these two factors help to explain problematic viewing behaviors. Moreover, the results give cause to refrain from a generalizing problematization of binge-watching.

Empathy trajectories throughout medical school: relationships with personality and motives for studying medicine

Empathy remains a widely discussed topic within medical education research. Studies on empathy changes among medical students are not univocal: empathy may decline, remain stable or increase. A largely unexplored research question regards inter-individual variability in empathy change, namely if different longitudinal trajectories of empathy exist. Evidence on the association of empathy trajectories with personality and motives for studying medicine is also scarce. Here, latent growth modeling examined empathy (measured with the Jefferson Scale of Empathy) among 201 medical students (M_age = 20.74, 57% females) across three assessments: at entry year (Year 1) and during the first two clinical years (Years 4 and 5). Associations between empathy trajectories, personality in Year 1 and motives for studying medicine in Years 4 and 5 were tested. We identified two empathy trajectory groups: lower and decreasing (n = 59; 29%) and higher and stable (n = 142; 71%). Regression analyses indicated that higher openness in Year 1 was associated with an increased probability of higher and stable group membership (controlling for motives in Year 1). The effect of openness disappeared controlling for motives in Years 4 and 5 while caring for patients (in Years 4 and 5) and altruism (in Year 4) were positively associated with an increased probability of higher and stable group membership. In sum, we observed that empathy remains stable in most medical students and declines in fewer; openness and patients-oriented motives for studying medicine are associated with higher and stable empathy. Encouraging medical students' patients-oriented motives from preclinical throughout clinical years may prevent empathy decline.

Distinct psychological profiles among college students with substance use: A cluster analytic approach

Substance use in youth is a central public health concern, related to deleterious consequences at psychological, social, and cognitive/cerebral levels. Previous research has identified impulsivity and consumption motives as key factors in the emergence of excessive substance use among college students. However, most studies have focused on a specific substance and have considered this population as a unitary group, ignoring the potential heterogeneity in psychological profiles. We used a cluster analytic approach to explore the heterogeneity in a large sample (N = 2741) of substance users (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin) on impulsivity and consumption motives. We identified four clusters: The first two clusters, associated with good self-esteem, low anxiety, and moderate substance use, were respectively characterized by low impulsivity and consumption motives (Cluster 1) and by high social and enhancement motives without marked impulsivity (Cluster 2). The two other clusters were conversely related to low self-esteem and high anxiety, and characterized by high consumption motives (particularly conformity) together with elevated urgency (Cluster 3) and by globally increased impulsivity and consumption motives (Cluster 4). These two clusters were also associated with higher substance use. These results highlight the existence of distinct psychological profiles of substance users and underline the need to develop targeted prevention and intervention programs (e.g., focusing on the specific impulsivity facets and consumption motives presented by each subgroup). Based on these findings, we also suggest extending the exploration of distinct profiles of substance users by targeting other psychological variables (e.g., self-esteem).

Motives of contributing personal data for health research: (non-)participation in a Dutch biobank

Background

Large-scale, centralized data repositories are playing a critical and unprecedented role in fostering innovative health research, leading to new opportunities as well as dilemmas for the medical sciences. Uncovering the reasons as to why citizens do or do not contribute to such repositories, for example, to population-based biobanks, is therefore crucial. We investigated and compared the views of existing participants and non-participants on contributing to large-scale, centralized health research data repositories with those of ex-participants regarding the decision to end their participation. This comparison could yield new insights into motives of participation and non-participation, in particular the behavioural change of withdrawal.

Methods

We conducted 36 in-depth interviews with ex-participants, participants, and non-participants of a three-generation, population-based biobank in the Netherlands. The interviews focused on the respondents’ decision-making processes relating to their participation in a large-scale, centralized repository for health research data.

Results

The decision of participants and non-participants to contribute to the biobank was motivated by a desire to help others. Whereas participants perceived only benefits relating to their participation and were unconcerned about potential risks, non-participants and ex-participants raised concerns about the threat of large-scale, centralized public data repositories and public institutes, such as social exclusion or commercialization. Our analysis of ex-participants’ perceptions suggests that intrapersonal characteristics, such as levels of trust in society, participation conceived as a social norm, and basic societal values account for differences between participants and non-participants.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the fluidity of motives centring on helping others in decisions to participate in large-scale, centralized health research data repositories. Efforts to improve participation should focus on enhancing the trustworthiness of such data repositories and developing layered strategies for communication with participants and with the public. Accordingly, personalized approaches for recruiting participants and transmitting information along with appropriate regulatory frameworks are required, which have important implications for current data management and informed consent procedures.

Patients' experiences on adverse drug reactions reporting: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an important source of information for post-marketing drug safety evaluation. Most countries have public access to reporting systems, but patients report only 3% of all ADRs. Little is known about factors affecting patient reporting. Our aim was to explore patients' experiences reporting ADRs and their views on the usability of the Canadian Vigilance reporting forms on MedEffect.

METHODS

An interpretive description qualitative study was used. Adults in Canada, who experienced an ADR, were invited to participate through social media (Kijiji, Facebook, Twitter) and by associations (e.g., Patients Canada or Canadian Arthritis Society). Participants were interviewed in English and French using structured interview guides. Inductive content analysis was used.

RESULTS

Fifteen interviews were conducted from October 2014 to May 2015. Two participants reported ADRs to MedEffect, and others to physicians and/or pharmacists. Motives for reporting were intolerable side effect impacting daily activities and encouragement from others to report (e.g., family, colleagues). Factors that interfered with reporting were physicians normalized or minimized the side effect, confusion on what to report, no feedback after report submission to MedEffect, and previous experience with side effects. MedEffect forms were described as comprehensive and important, but its usability was affected by the number of questions and complexity of some questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants were unaware of MedEffect and reported ADRs to physicians and pharmacists. Several barriers and motives affected patients' reporting of ADRs. MedEffect form could be simplified for use by patients.

Orthorexic eating behavior in vegans is linked to health, not to animal welfare

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze the association between the importance of several reasons to follow a vegan diet and the degree of orthorexic eating behavior in a sample of vegan individuals (N = 65, 53.8% women, age: M = 28.22 (SD = 9.13) years, BMI: M = 22.91 (SD = 3.44) kg/m²).

RESULTS

The results reveal that orthorexic eating behavior is associated with the importance of the underlying motives health, esthetics and healing, whereas animal welfare, politics and ecology are not linked to orthorexia.

CONCLUSION

Hence, this study reveals that a vegan lifestyle is not per se associated with orthorexic eating behavior, but rather that it varies with the underlying motivation for following a vegan diet.