Development and initial validation of a marijuana cessation expectancies questionnaire

- A new measure of marijuana cessation expectancies (MCEQ) was developed and validated in this study.
- The MCEQ measures anticipated consequences of ceasing or reducing marijuana use.
- The MCEQ is associated with marijuana quit attempts.
- The MCEQ is also associated with motivational aspects of marijuana change behavior.
- The MCEQ may be a useful clinical tool in motivating behavioral change.

BackgroundThe present research examines anticipated consequences of ceasing or reducing marijuana use with initial development and psychometric validation of a measure of marijuana cessation expectancies.MethodsThe 46-item Marijuana Cessation Expectancies Questionnaire (MCEQ) was initially developed from the content validity analysis of free responses about expected outcomes of stopping and decreasing marijuana use generated by 94 participants. The closed-ended MCEQ was subsequently administered to 151 non-treatment seeking regular marijuana users (used on M = 64.7% of the prior 60 days, SD = 25.1%; Mage = 21.4, SD = 3.96; 38.4% female).ResultsExploratory factor analyses identified six MCEQ factors that accounted for 61% of variance, which were related to expected improvement in: 1) performance/motivation, 2) problems with authority, and 3) interpersonal functioning, and expected worsening of 4) mood states and 5) fun experiences, and 6) changes in appetite/weight from cessation/reduction of marijuana use. Internal consistency of full scale items was good (α = 0.86) and moderate to high for all factors (α's = 0.60-0.89). The MCEQ items showed good concurrent validity with key measures and incremental associations with change indices (prior history of cessation/reduction attempt, benefits of reduction, importance of change), beyond the effects of marijuana use expectancies.ConclusionsThese data provide initial support for the MCEQ and suggest it is closely linked to reduction/cessation decisions in marijuana users. MCEQ may be used clinically to enhance existing behavioral treatments and motivational interventions for problem marijuana use.