Among Canadian students in grades 7-12, higher relatedness and competence were associated with lower odds of cannabis use, while higher autonomy was linked to increased use.
Youth prevention program designers, educators, parents, and public health researchers.
Relatedness and competence linked to lower odds of cannabis use
What the researchers found
Relatedness (feeling connected to others) and competence (feeling capable) were consistently associated with lower odds of 30-day and more frequent cannabis use, alcohol use, and binge drinking. Autonomy, however, was associated with higher odds of these behaviors.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence that positive mental health factors, not just risk factors, are associated with substance use patterns, supporting strengths-based prevention approaches.
The numbers in context
All associations were significant except competence and more frequent cannabis use among boys, and autonomy and more frequent alcohol use among girls.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of the 2014/2015 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS). Grade 7-12 students completed the Children's Intrinsic Needs Satisfaction Scale (CINSS) measuring autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Associations with substance use were examined via logistic regression, stratified by sex.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. Self-reported substance use may be underreported. The autonomy finding may reflect measurement issues rather than a true protective-factor reversal.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: large national survey with validated measures, though cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
When this study was published
Published in 2020 in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada.
The bigger picture
The finding that autonomy is associated with increased substance use challenges simple assumptions about positive youth development, suggesting that feeling autonomous without corresponding social connection or competence may facilitate risky behavior.
Questions still open
- Does building competence and relatedness in youth actually reduce substance use over time? Why does autonomy show the opposite pattern from competence and relatedness?
Common questions
Why was autonomy linked to more substance use?
What do these findings mean for prevention programs?
Read the original research
Autonomy, competence and relatedness and cannabis and alcohol use among youth in Canada: a cross-sectional analysis.
Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practice, 40(5-6), 201-210
Citation
Enns, Aganeta; Orpana, Heather. (2020). Autonomy, competence and relatedness and cannabis and alcohol use among youth in Canada: a cross-sectional analysis.. Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practice, 40(5-6), 201-210. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.40.5/6.09
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