Negative urgency increases risk for coping-motivated cannabis outcomes in socially anxious male emerging adult cannabis users

Tension reduction theory suggests that socially anxious emerging adults use cannabis to cope with negative affect. However, the literature is mixed, indicating that the effect of social anxiety on cannabis use behaviors during emerging adulthood may depend on other moderating factors, such as negative urgency. This study aimed to clarify potential moderators that may strengthen the associations between social anxiety and cannabis outcomes among emerging adults. Emerging adult undergraduates who reported past six-month cannabis use completed an online self-report survey. Results from a mediated moderation revealed that higher social anxiety predicted elevated cannabis use and problems via coping motives, but only for males higher in negative urgency. Findings suggest that socially anxious males higher in negative urgency are at greater risk for coping-motivated cannabis use and related problems. These results may inform screening and treatment approaches aimed at reducing impulsive cannabis use and subsequent harms for these emerging adult males.