Cannabis is one of the most used psychoactive substances in justice-involved youth (JIY), both globally (Fite et al., 2022) and in the Netherlands (Kepper et al., 2009). Although impulsivity, externalising problems and self-control have been identified as behavioural determinants for cannabis use (Beauchaine et al., 2017; Griffith-Lendering et al., 2011; Revill et al., 2020), they have not been investigated as a single, cohesive statistical model. The current study aimed to examine if externalising problems mediate the relationship between impulsivity and cannabis use, and whether self-control moderates this mediation in Dutch JIY. The present cross-sectional study had 446 detained Dutch adolescents who completed self-reported assessments of pertinent variables. Despite results not supporting a moderated mediation [b = -0.003; bootCI = -0.009; 0.001], impulsivity was marginally positively associated with cannabis use (p = 0.056) and externalising problems were positively associated with cannabis use (p = 0.022), partially mediating the association between impulsivity and cannabis use. In conclusion, findings suggest that future research should further investigate this model, given marginally significant results. Moreover, the effectiveness of therapies aimed at managing externalising behaviour should be explored. 

During the presentation, we will dive deeper into the background information, employed methods, obtained results and implications for future research. Hope to see you there!