Model to explain psychological reasoning behind substance use that incorporates the basic assumptions of reinforcement theory of learning, wherein the presence of reinforcement (reward) facilitates the learning of an association between stimuli and responses. When an immediate source of tension arises in the form of a situational factor, the need for a certain behavior (substance use) may be learned to help reduce tension. Behaviors are expected to lessen as situational factors improve, but prevail if tension remains present.

Syracuse University

Several substance use models and motivational models seek to explain the drug use behavior as it relates to SAD. Several theories posit that when substances are used as a means to mitigate negative affect, the risks of substance abuse and related issues are significantly increased. Therefore, it is assumed that individuals with SAD have greater use of coping motives and use marijuana to manage negative, uncomfortable feelings experienced in response to social situations.

Psychological motivators of marijuana use

Buckner, J. D., Silgado, J., & Schmidt, N. B. (2011). Marijuana craving during a public speaking challenge: Understanding marijuana use vulnerability among women and those with social anxiety disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(1), 104–110. https://doi-org.libezproxy2.syr.edu/10.1016/j.jbtep.2010.07.00

Marijuana craving during a public speaking challenge: Understanding marijuana use vulnerability among women and those with social anxiety disorder

Individuals with SAD may experience cravings for marijuana after social events or interactions due to the desire to avoid memories or uncomfortable feelings of embarrassment. In a psychological phenomenon known as post-event processing Individuals will often engage in highly detailed reviews of their performance during a social situation, retrospectively analyzing or scrutinizing their behavior. SAD individuals tend to engage in post-event processing at much higher frequency then less socially anxious individuals, particularly relating to negative, critical ruminations. Such negative fixations may exacerbate future social anxieties; hence people with SAD may be seeking marijuana in an attempt to manage these post social event sensations.

Psychological motivators: Post-event processing

Psychological motivators: Tension-reduction model

The self-handicapping theory of substance use suggests that individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) may use marijuana to provide an external excuse for potential social deficits. According to this theory, these individuals experience cravings before or during social events because attributing social failures to substance use is less psychologically threatening than attributing them to a true personal lack of ability. Consequently, SAD is associated with the expectation that marijuana use will result in cognitive and behavioral impairments.

Learn Before

Related