The Role of Sex and Coping Styles on the Relationship Between Depression and Cannabis Use

Abstract

There is evidence for a relationship between problematic cannabis use and depression although the directionality is unclear. The role of coping strategies mediating this relationship is of interest to better understand the mechanisms involved. The aim was to analyze the relationship between cannabis use and depression and its directionality, considering the mediating role of coping styles and their dependence on sex. Correlational and cross-sectional design. There were 261 cannabis users aged 18–57 years (M = 31.04), 36.66% women. Sex, cannabis dependence, coping styles, and depressive symptomatology were analyzed. Women scored higher in depression and men reported higher cannabis use, with a higher prevalence for moderate addiction. Higher severity of depressive symptomatology was found in cannabis users with dependence compared to those with moderate addiction. Active coping strategies were more common in the non-addicted group, while avoidant coping strategies were more common in the dependent group. The role of coping styles was observed to differ according to sex. In men, the relationship between depression and cannabis use was bidirectional, but the predictive capacity of each variable with respect to the others disappeared when considering avoidant coping as a mediator. Passive coping style is key in the relationship between depression and cannabis use. These findings have important implications for prevention and treatment of both problems.