Proximal Effects of Marijuana in Understanding Intimate Partner Violence

Testa | Derrick | Leonard | Collins
The acute effects of marijuana use within couples was examined as a way of understanding the potential role of marijuana in understanding partner aggression, both immediately after use, and as it develops over time

Although marijuana is commonly believed to suppress aggression, surveys consistently reveal positive associations between marijuana use and perpetration of intimate partner violence. However, it is not known whether on a proximal, event level marijuana use results in affective, cognitive, or behavioral effects consistent with partner aggression. This study addressed this gap with a 30-day, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study of marijuana use and couple functioning in a sample of young couples in which one or both partners use marijuana. Couples were followed for one year, to determine whether marijuana use or its immediate consequence influence relationship functioning and stability over time.

Principal Investigator
Maria Testa, PhD

Research Institute on Addictions

Co-Investigators
Jaye Derrick, PhD
Psychology Department
University of Houston

Kenneth Leonard, PhD
Research Institute on Addictions

R. Lorraine Collins, PhD
Department of Community Health and Health Behavior
University at Buffalo

Funding Agency
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Grant Number
R01-DA033994

Dates
2013-2018