Suchergebnisse

Historically, the approach of promoting exercise by emphasizing its effects on long-term health has predominated. Despite this tradition, there is no strong empirical support for such an approach. Recent work has argued that exercise suffers from a "branding problem" and efforts to promote exercise may be better served by switching the focus from the long-term benefits of exercise that improve health, to the immediate benefits of exercise that enhance quality of life. One way to disseminate and reinforce this message could be through a smartphone application designed to monitor daily improvements on quality of life constructs correlated with exercise participation.

Across 14 different outdoor settings in 8 states, the authors interviewed 102 disposers to examine how littering behavior is affected by environmental factors, social norms, demographic characteristics, and self-reported motivations. Observations revealed that 25% of all disposals were littered, and the most commonly littered item was cigarette butts. Participants were less likely to litter in locations with more receptacles available and with receptacles positioned so they could be easily reached.Younger participants, who reported weaker personal norms against littering, were more likely to litter. Implications of this work suggested the necessity of adequate receptacle availability and accessibility, especially cigarette-butt receptacles. In addition, antilittering campaigns were advised to direct their appeals to those most at risk for littering—targets under the age of 30.

AbstractBecause adolescents are unlikely to seek, receive, or complete treatment for alcohol and/or cannabis misuse, it is important to enhance the lasting impact of clinical contacts when they do occur. Adolescents (N = 506; 72.5% Hispanic) were randomized to motivational interviewing (MI) versus alcohol and cannabis education (ACE). Latent growth models estimated change over time. Significant reductions in alcohol use were observed, with slightly greater reductions by 12‐month follow‐up for MI. Both interventions significantly reduced cannabis use, with no treatment group differences. When outcomes were examined comparing Hispanic to non‐Hispanic participants, there were no significant differences in intervention efficacy by group. MI's inherently client‐centered and culturally adaptive approach may contribute to its equitable degree of behavior change for youth across race/ethnic backgrounds.

Abstract
Given historical inequities in cannabis laws and policies, there is an obligation on the part of researchers and policy makers to actively work toward improving equity in cannabis research at a time when the field is rapidly expanding. We wish to propose a way forward for cannabis research that acknowledges this history of discrimination and misuse of institutional power and embraces equity and inclusion. This article provides a brief perspective on historical drug policy, recent legalization trends that have disproportionately benefitted some groups over others, and the repercussions of those trends for the cannabis research enterprise. In addition, it proposes five key actions in both policy and research domains that are necessary to move the field of cannabis research, and perhaps biomedical research in substance use more broadly, forward in a productive and inclusionary way. Specifically, recommendations focus on equity-focused legislation and policy, supporting the entry and retention of scientists of color into the field, engaging in more ethical research practices, and practicing intentionally inclusive recruitment of participants will help to move the field of cannabis research forward. These efforts will ensure that scientific gains are shared equitably moving forward.

Adolescence is a neurodevelopmental period of heightened sexual risk taking. Neuroimaging can help elucidate crucial neurocognitive mechanisms underlying adolescent sexual risk behavior, yet few empirical studies have investigated this neural link. To address this gap in the literature, we examined the association between neurocognitive function during response inhibition—a known correlate of risk behaviors—and frequency of intercourse without a condom among adolescents. We examined the correlation between condom use and fMRI‐based Stroop response in a large ethnically diverse sample of high‐risk adolescents (n = 171). Partially replicating previous literature, sexual risk was positively correlated with blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) activation in the middle frontal gyrus during response inhibition, highlighting the relevance of this region during risky sexual decision making within this age group.