Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jay R. Greiner

Abstract

As decriminalization of cannabis in the United States increases, understanding how cannabis use may alter physical and mental health is important. The Appalachian Mountain region is an area with poor support systems, stigma against mental health, and historic drug use problems, resulting in residents being more vulnerable to societal change. The theoretical framework for this research is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which is the study of the interconnections between psychology, neurology, and immunology as a holistic approach to health. Via SurveyMonkey, 160 participants completed the study, and data were based on self-reporting of cannabis use patterns in relation to anxiety, depression, immunity, and quality of life. This quantitative research study involved using multiple regression analysis to determine if relationships exist between longevity and frequency of cannabis use and anxiety, depression, immune function, and quality of life. Findings found that longer histories of cannabis use reduced anxiety and depression levels, while frequency of use had a non-linear relationship with anxiety where low and high frequency of use reduced scores compared to intermittent use. Cannabis was found to worsen immune function scores. Quality of life was unaffected by cannabis use frequency or longevity, but perceived quality of life improved. The data set was created to capture a baseline for future research involving the Appalachian Mountain region to improve the livelihood and quality of life of residents and protect them from further exploitation.

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