Richard T. A. Wood’s research while affiliated with University of Quebec in Montreal and other places

Background: In the current rapid evidence assessment, we summarize the existing research on lower-risk cannabis consumption as understood by those who consume cannabis. Methods: We identified 7111 unique articles published between 1900 and 2021 using search terms related to a) cannabis consumption, b) beliefs and behaviors, and c) positive outcomes. Results: Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged that reflect lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors (informed self-regulation, protective behavioral strategies, and the normalization of cannabis consumption) and one theme reflected motivations that undermine lower-risk cannabis consumption (e.g., using cannabis to cope). Conclusions: Results suggest a need for targeted lower-risk cannabis consumption research-research focused on how those who consume cannabis do so in a positive, non-problematic manner. Such research would help to inform policy and practice and, ultimately, help promote lower-risk cannabis consumption strategies.

Although problematic cannabis use is a public health concern, little is known about lower-risk cannabis use beliefs and behaviors. A major stumbling block for research in this domain has been the lack of a methodologically sound, multidimensional measure of lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors. This paper reports the development of the Cannabis Lower-Risk Scale (CaLRS). In Study 1 (N = 510), people who use cannabis were administered a survey containing 69 items that assessed an array of lower-risk beliefs and behaviors. A factor analysis was conducted, and items were subsequently culled. In Study 2 (N = 1008), the factor structure was confirmed revealing a 6-factor scale (21-items) that assesses three lower-risk beliefs (stigma reduction, informed self-regulation, and personal awareness) and three lower-risk behaviors (positive protective strategies, honesty, and limiting behaviors). The implications for research and public health policy and programs are discussed.

In the current rapid evidence assessment, we summarize the existing research on lower-risk cannabis consumption as understood by those who consume cannabis. We identified 7111 unique articles published between 1900 and 2021 using search terms related to a) cannabis consumption, b) beliefs and behaviors, and c) positive outcomes. Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged that reflect lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors (informed self-regulation, protective behavioral strategies, and the normalization of cannabis consumption) and one theme reflected motivations that undermine lower-risk cannabis consumption (e.g., using cannabis to cope). Results suggest a need for targeted lower-risk cannabis consumption research—research focused on how those who consume cannabis do so in a positive, non-problematic manner. Such research would help to inform policy and practice and, ultimately, help promote lower-risk cannabis consumption strategies.

The geospatial impact of casinos on gambling problems is poorly understood, despite its importance to policy decisions. In this study, we propose a conceptual model to describe how access relates to gambling problems and we test whether access convenience increases risk. We collect a large sample of Canadian gamblers (n = 6,234) and geolocate each individual relative to domestic casino locations (N = 110), using their home addresses. Our analysis suggests that nearby casinos increase risk for residents. We further find that frequency of play mediates the relationship, implying an indirect link between access convenience and gambling problems. The results are robust to several estimation strategies that address endogeneity issues found in the empirical literature.

Persons maintaining a financially focused self-concept view financial success as a core aspect of their respective self-concepts. Herein, we examined whether the measurement properties of the financially focused self-concept scale (FFS) are invariant over time. A sample of predominantly older community members who gamble (N = 147) completed the 4-item FFS and Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) twice, approximately four weeks apart. FFS had strong temporal measurement invariance and moderate-to-high temporal stability. FFS and PGSI were also positively associated within and across waves. These findings indicate that people who score higher (relative to lower) in financial focus report more gambling problems concurrently and over time. However, further longitudinal research is needed to disentangle the temporal association between possessing a financially focused self-concept and the development of a gambling disorder.

People with a financially focused self-concept overvalue the importance of financial success for self-definition and self-worth. Herein, we examined whether the measurement properties of the financially focused self-concept scale (FFS) are invariant over time and across different demographic groups of people who gamble. We also assessed the temporal stability and concurrent validity of the FFS. In Study 1 (N=147), community players completed the 4-item FFS and problem gambling severity index (PGSI) on two assessments about four weeks apart. In Study 2 (N=135), students who gamble completed the FFS and PGSI about 6-7 months apart. In Studies 1 and 2, FFS had strong temporal measurement invariance and moderate-to-high temporal stability. FFS and PGSI were also positively associated within and across assessments in Studies 1 and 2. Additionally, in Study 2, an increase in FFS over time was accompanied by an increase in PGSI. FFS also had partial measurement invariance across community and student players. Findings provide support for assumptions of longitudinal and comparative research designs. Findings are anchored in prior research on the effects of a focused self-concept in other domains. We also call for longitudinal and comparative gambling research on the antecedents and consequences of a financially focused self-concept.

The Positive Play Scale (PPS) is a self-report measure that assesses responsible gambling beliefs and behaviors amongst players. The PPS was shown to be a reliable and valid measure that consisted of four subscales: Personal Responsibility, Gambling Literacy, Honesty and Control, and Pre-commitment. However, the PPS development research had limitations, including the use of an exploratory statistical approach, treating the non-normally distributed PPS item-level data as continuous, and the use of samples that consisted mainly of older players living in British Columbia, Canada. Herein, we replicated and extended the four-factor structure of the PPS using exploratory structural equation modeling with PPS item-data modelled as ordered categorical in a large and demographically diverse sample of players from across Canada (N=5751). Once again, the four-factor structure of the PPS provided an excellent fit to the data. PPS factors were all internally consistent. Results also replicated and extended findings from prior research. Specifically, all PPS subscales were negatively correlated with measures of disordered gambling beliefs and behaviors, risk factors (e.g., impulsivity) and gambling motives (e.g., financial). Findings indicate that the PPS is a reliable and valid tool that assesses responsible gambling beliefs and behaviours, which can be used to inform responsible gambling initiatives.

We examined associations between financially focused self-concept and known etiological and maintenance factors of problematic gambling in a sample of community-based gamblers (N = 412). Although most participants (95.6%) did not report gambling problems, those high in financial focus were more likely to be impulsive, dissatisfied with their financial situation, believe they have a poor ability to cope with adversity in their life, and have erroneous beliefs about gambling. The magnitude of these associations was moderate. The etiological risk and maintenance factors explained unique variance in financially focused self-concept. Thus, the results provide novel insight into the characteristics of financially focused gamblers.

The modern gambling industry has, by-in-large, assumed a duty of care to minimize the risks associated with gambling, which has manifested in responsible gambling (RG) programming (e.g., educating players about the odds of success). The current study fills a void in gambling operators, regulators, and researchers ability to measure RG beliefs and behavior in their player-base, with the development and validation of the Positive Play Scale (PPS). In Study 1, we reviewed the literature and consulted 30 players as well as 10 RG experts to help generate a definition of RG beliefs and behavior that helped guide item generation. In Study 2, regular players (N = 1,551) of a Canadian provincial gambling operator completed a positive play survey. Four components from a principal components analysis (PCA) were extracted: Honesty and Control, Pre-commitment, Personal Responsibility, and Gambling Literacy. The PPS subscales were either not associated with gambling frequency or had small-to-moderate negative relationships with frequency of play for games most often associated with disordered gambling (e.g., electronic games). In Study 3 (N = 413), the factor structure of the PPS was confirmed and refined in a new sample of players. Moreover, a 1-month follow-up session demonstrated that the PPS has high test-retest reliability. The PPS is the first validated scale that reliably assesses the extent to which a consumer base has positive beliefs about gambling and gambles in a positive manner. The PPS can be used by the gambling industry to objectively assess the efficacy of their RG strategy, pinpoint specific areas for future focus, as well as examine the utility of new RG initiatives that aim to promote healthy patterns of gambling consumption. Furthermore, by examining the PPS scores for different player segments (e.g., sex, age, games played) it becomes possible to tailor RG strategy to the needs of specific players. In this way, RG strategy can be optimized by focusing resources where they will be most effective.