Abstract

2 Aims: Self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectancies are central to Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Alcohol studies demonstrate the theoretical and clinical utility of applying both SCT constructs. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and outcome expectancies in a cannabis treatment sample, and tests formal meditational models. Design: Patients referred for cannabis treatment completed a comprehensive clinical assessment, including recently validated cannabis expectancy and refusal self-efficacy scales. Setting: A hospital alcohol and drug outpatient clinic. Participants: Patients referred for a cannabis treatment (N = 1115, mean age 26.29, SD 9.39). Measurement: The Cannabis Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ), Cannabis Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CRSEQ) were completed, along with measures of cannabis severity (Severity of Dependence Scale [SDS]) and cannabis consumption. Findings: Both cannabis expectancy and cannabis refusal self-efficacy were significant predictors of cannabis problems. When mediation was examined, partial support was observed for self-efficacy mediating expectancy beliefs. Conclusions: