Protective Behavioral Strategies Mediate the Relation Between Sensation Seeking and Marijuana-Related Consequences

Background: Greater levels of sensation seeking are associated with experiencing more marijuana-related consequences (MRC). Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) use is associated with both the lower frequency of marijuana use and fewer marijuana-related consequences. However, research has not examined whether PBS use mediates the relation between sensation seeking and MRC. Methods: The current study is a secondary data analysis of the initial Marijuana Outcomes Study Team data collection. A path analysis was conducted to assess for indirect effects from both risk and experience seeking (facets of sensation seeking) to MRC via frequency of PBS use, controlling for marijuana use frequency. Results: We found negative relations between both experience seeking and PBS and MRC, and a positive relation between risk seeking and MRC. Furthermore, PBS mediated the relation between both risk and experience seeking and MRC. Conclusions: Results suggest that PBS is a mediator of the sensation seeking-MRC relationship. Discussions about selecting and implementing PBS use may be particularly useful for treatment of clients high in risk seeking.