A Mixed-Methods Investigation of the Relationship between Cannabis and Sexual Functioning Using Incentive Motivational Models
Loading...
Authors
Mooney, Kayla Marie
Date
2025-06-24
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Cannabis , Sexual functioning , Mixed methods , Incentive motivation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Although the relationship between cannabis and sexual functioning is complicated, the literature suggests that cannabis can influence sexual response in various ways. Incentive Motivational Models (IMMs) provide theoretical frameworks for understanding cannabis use and sexual response; specifically, that cannabis use and sexual motivations can be predicted by stimuli that, through repeated exposures, become linked with expected rewards. IMMs have been applied to study cannabis use and sexual response separately, yet the role of sexual motivations on cannabis use has been overlooked. Moreover, the cannabis and sexual functioning literature is comprised of cross-sectional studies, which limits current conceptualizations about this relationship. These gaps were addressed via a multi-method research program. In Study 1, 547 cannabis users participated in an online study on sexual motivations for cannabis use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a two-step cluster analysis, and an inductive thematic analysis. Approximately half of the sample reported sexual motivations for cannabis use, most commonly to enhance aspects of sexual response. The thematic analysis revealed three themes: impacts on mental state, changes in sexual functioning, and dampening effects. In Study 2, 115 individuals (N = 87 cannabis users, N = 28 infrequent or non-cannabis users) participated in a 28-day diary study. Data were analyzed using Multivariate Multilevel Models. More frequent cannabis use was linked with greater daily sexual desire. On sexual activity days, participants reported significantly higher sexual desire and arousal on days they used cannabis compared to non-use days. Across all study days (regardless of sexual activity), participants reported significantly higher sexual desire and lower sexual distress on days they used cannabis compared to non-use days. Sexual facilitation cannabis use expectancies moderated the relationship between same-day cannabis use and sexual distress: at mean and higher expectancies, sexual distress was significantly lower on cannabis use days compared to non-use days, whereas at lower expectancies, sexual distress did not differ across study days. Importantly, dose was not able to be included due to missing data. Results are discussed in the context of the IMMs for both cannabis use and sexual response. Clinical implications for sex therapy and general psychotherapy are also discussed.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International