Discriminability of personality profiles in isolated and Co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users

Abstract

Specific personality traits have been linked with substance use disorders (SUDs), genetic mechanisms, and brain systems. Thus, determining the specificity of personality traits to types of SUD can advance the field towards defining SUD endophenotypes as well as understanding the brain systems involved for the development of novel treatments. Disentangling these factors is particularly important in highly co-morbid SUDs, such as marijuana and nicotine use, so treatment can occur effectively for both. This study evaluated personality traits that distinguish isolated and co-morbid use of marijuana and nicotine. To that end, we collected the NEO Five Factor Inventory in participants who used marijuana-only (n=59), nicotine-only (n=27), both marijuana and nicotine (n=28), and in non-using controls (n=28). We used factor analyses to identify personality profiles, which are linear combinations of the five NEO Factors. We then conducted Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis to test accuracy of the personality factors in discriminating isolated and co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users from each other. ROC curve analysis distinguished the four groups based on their NEO personality patterns. Results showed that NEO Factor 2 (openness, extraversion, agreeableness) discriminated marijuana and marijuana + nicotine users from controls and nicotine-only users with high predictability. Additional ANOVA results showed that the openness dimension discriminated marijuana users from nicotine users. These findings suggest that personality dimensions distinguish marijuana users from nicotine users and should be considered in prevention strategies.

Trait neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness in multiple sclerosis: Link to cognitive impairment?

“…4 Our survey of the literature reveals several other studies wherein control samples produced trait scores different from the NEO-FFI sample. 32,33 One possible explanation is that there was something unique about the control samples in these studies. Generally, slightly higher conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness, and lower neuroticism has been noted in research volunteers, suggesting a motivation, congeniality, and confidence in those participating in studies.…”

A preliminary risk prediction model for cannabis use disorder

“…These include male sex, early exposure to traumatic events, early use initiation, family history of substance use, childhood depression, and conduct disorder symptoms ( Gray and Squeglia, 2018 , Meier et al, 2016 , Tomko et al, 2019 ). High impulsivity and certain personality traits are also associated with the disorders ( Beaton et al, 2014 , Ketcherside et al, 2016 ). In particular, work by co-author Filbey’s lab showed that openness distinguishes cannabis-only users from nicotine-only users, co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users, and non-users ( Ketcherside et al, 2016 ).…”

“…High impulsivity and certain personality traits are also associated with the disorders ( Beaton et al, 2014 , Ketcherside et al, 2016 ). In particular, work by co-author Filbey’s lab showed that openness distinguishes cannabis-only users from nicotine-only users, co-morbid marijuana and nicotine users, and non-users ( Ketcherside et al, 2016 ). The results from this study also indicate that conscientiousness is lower among cannabis users.…”

“…In this study, we build upon the findings of Ketcherside et al (2016) in a cannabis-using adult population and perform a secondary analysis of the data. More specifically, we build a preliminary quantitative risk prediction model to estimate the chance that a cannabis user will develop CUD based on various demographic, behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive risk factors.…”

Modeling the Effect of Family Atmosphere, School Atmosphere, and Social Support on Aggressiveness and Addiction Preparedness Among Students: The Mediating Role of Extroversion

“…Extraversion is a good predictor of the tendency of students to drug abuse, according to the findings of this study [37]. Examining the factors associated with drug use has shown that personality characteristics are among the most important predictors of the use of various substances, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs [38].…”