The latent structure of cannabis misuse: A taxometric analysis

Abstract

Taxometric research on substance use problems has yielded inconsistent results, with some studies yielding evidence of a taxonic (categorical) latent structure and other studies yielding dimensional findings. The 2 previous studies that specifically examined cannabis misuse supported a dimensional latent structure. However, given the inconsistent findings for other substance use disorders and the changing legal status of, attitudes about, and patterns of cannabis use, the present study examined the latent structure of cannabis misuse in an attempt to replicate these previous findings. Participants were 804 cannabis using college students who completed measures of cannabis use anonymously online to reduce response biases. Consistent with previous research, the taxometric analyses yielded clear evidence that cannabis misuse has a dimensional latent structure. Furthermore, compared to a dichotomous measure of cannabis misuse, continuous measures of cannabis misuse were significantly more strongly associated with external correlates of cannabis misuse (e.g., stress). These findings have implications for the assessment, treatment, and study of cannabis use disorder. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).