PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The present study sought to investigate the relationships between substance use and psychological variables among 799 first-year South African university students chosen by random sampling. Psychological correlates (in terms of minor psychiatric morbidity, perceived stress, sensation-seeking, self-esteem, subjective health, and anomia) of substance use were found to be associated with the use of specific substances. Sensation-seeking was associated with the use of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco; minor psychiatric morbidity with cannabis and alcohol use; and anomia with cannabis use. Logistic regression on cannabis use identified male gender and sensation-seeking as independent predictors for current cannabis use.