Associations among Daily Social Anxiety, Self-Regulation Dimensions, and Cannabis Use Outcomes in Young Adults Who Engage in Frequent Cannabis Use - Project Summary/Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that elevated trait social anxiety may be a salient risk factor for experiencing negative consequences related to cannabis use1 and cannabis use disorder2 during young adulthood. According to the biopsychosocial model of social anxiety and substance use3, socially anxious individuals use cannabis to cope with their social anxiety. Further, social anxiety can vary day-to-day and depend on context4. Yet, little is known regarding how daily fluctuations in social anxiety (daily social anxiety) influence cannabis use outcomes among young adults (YAs), as research is predominately cross-sectional and examines trait- level social anxiety, a stable characteristic. There is a critical need for further testing of the biopsychosocial model of social anxiety and cannabis use at the daily level, as understanding how YA’s experiences of social anxiety in their natural environment influence cannabis outcomes can contribute to the development and refinement of personalized interventions. Another major gap in the field pertains to risk processes related to the co-occurrence of social anxiety and cannabis misuse. One process worth examining is self-regulation: monitoring, evaluating, and modifying one’s behaviors, thoughts, and emotions to act in line with one’s long- term goals5. Self-regulation has a central role in the restraint and maintenance of substance use behaviors6, and difficulties with certain dimensions of self-regulation (i.e., self-control7 and emotion regulation8) are associated with social anxiety9,10 and cannabis use11,12. Research suggests that managing elevated social anxiety drains a considerable amount of resources needed for general self-regulation9,13, yet research has not examined how daily social anxiety influences self-regulation related to cannabis use behaviors (cannabis- specific self-regulation). The proposed F32 seeks to address these gaps in the literature by conducting secondary data analyses of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data (R21DA050131; PI: Fairlie) of a sample of 201 YAs who engage in frequent cannabis use (ages 18 – 29; used cannabis at least 15 days in the past month). Specifically, the current F32 will examine daily-level associations among daily social anxiety, cannabis-specific self-regulation, and cannabis outcomes, and how trait social anxiety and self-regulation moderate these associations using multilevel modeling. Results from the current study will inform development and refinement of interventions for co-occurring social anxiety and cannabis misuse. This project provides critical and specialized training opportunities to support the applicant in reaching her goal of becoming an independent investigator. Specifically, the applicant will receive training in co-occurring cannabis misuse and social anxiety, self-regulation theory and measurement as it relates to co-occurring substance misuse and mental health concerns, advanced statistical analyses, and scientific writing, culminating in the submission of a K series award application focused on the development of a brief intervention.
