Masters Theses

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Browsing Masters Theses by Author "Torres, Stephanie Lynn"

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    AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY COMPARING THE BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARIJUANA USE AND DEPRESSION IN EMERGING YOUNG ADULTS
    Torres, Stephanie Lynn
    Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, and depression is the most widely diagnosed mental health condition in the United States. While there has been much research on both topics, the question of how they are related is still up for debate. The works, articles and research has not adequately addressed the relationship between adolescent marijuana use and adolescent depression. This research study found statistically significant data within the confines of demographics; in addition to several sets of data corroborating past research on the complex and complicated relationship between adolescent marijuana use and depression. The intent of this research study was to help identify what comes first in adolescence; depressive episodes that lead to marijuana use, or early marijuana use leading to depressive symptoms. The findings showed the median age of onset for depression was 15 years old for marijuana users, and the initial marijuana use for those with severe depression was also 15 years old. All other categories had median onset for both depression and marijuana use as 17 years old. This information clarified the complexity of this relationship deeming a perfectly bidirectional relationship. This research study also revealed biological predisposition, the rate of use/depression among non-users as well as how religion, race, and political affiliation effect marijuana use and depression. The intent for this study is to gather information to be used towards research in preventative measures for adolescents who are at risk for addiction or mental health issues.