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The Influence of Inhibitory Control and Episodic Memory on the Risky Sexual Behavior of Young Adult Cannabis Users

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2012

Randi Melissa Schuster ,
Natania A. Crane ,
Robin Mermelstein  and
Raul Gonzalez
Randi Melissa Schuster
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Natania A. Crane
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Robin Mermelstein
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Raul Gonzalez*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Raul Gonzalez, 1601 W Taylor Street MC912, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: rgonzalez@psych.uic.edu
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Abstract

Cannabis use is associated with risky sexual behavior (RSB) and sex-related negative health consequences. This investigation examined the role of inhibitory control and episodic memory in predicting RSB and sex-related negative consequences among current cannabis users. Findings indicated that the relationships among cannabis, neurocognition, and sexual-risk varied according to the dimension of neurocognition and the parameter of RSB in question. Specifically, more risk-taking was associated with more RSB. Furthermore, amount of recent cannabis use was associated with more RSB and sex-related negative consequences, but only among those with worse performances on a measure of decision-making and of risk-taking. Contrary to hypotheses, worse episodic memory also significantly predicted higher overall sexual-risk and decreased safe-sex practices. Results indicate that worse neurocognitive performance in the areas of risk-taking, decision-making, and episodic memory may influence the degree to which cannabis users engage in RSB and experience negative health consequences as a result. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–7)

Keywords

CannabisRisky sexYoung adultsCognitionInhibitory controlEpisodic memory
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 18 , Issue 5 , September 2012 , pp. 827 - 833
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2012

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