Abstract
We used a prospective design to examine the association of marijuana use during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood with reported relationship quality with significant other in the mid- to late twenties. The community-based sample consisted of 534 young adults (mean age=27) from upstate New York. The participants were interviewed at four points in time at mean ages 14, 16, 22, and 27 years. Marijuana use during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood was associated with less relationship cohesion and harmony, and with more relationship conflict with control on variables reflecting the participants’ early interpersonal adjustment and the quality of the relationships with their parents. Our findings suggest that marijuana use during emerging adulthood predicts diminished relationship quality with a partner in the mid- to late twenties.
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This research was supported by grant DA03188 and Research Scientist Award DA00244 to Dr. Judith Brook from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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Brook, J.S., Pahl, K. & Cohen, P. Associations between Marijuana Use During Emerging Adulthood and Aspects of the Significant Other Relationship in Young Adulthood. J Child Fam Stud 17, 1–12 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-007-9135-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-007-9135-4