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The Psycho-Economic Model of Ecstasy Consumption and Related Consequences

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The Psycho-Economic Model of Ecstasy Consumption and Related Consequences Washington University in St. Louis Washington University Open Scholarship All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) 5-24-2011 The syP cho-Economic Model of Ecstasy Consumption and Related Consequences: A multi- site study with community samples Arbi Ben Abdallah Washington University in St. Louis Follow this and additional works at: https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/etd Recommended Citation Ben Abdallah, Arbi, "The sP ycho-Economic Model of Ecstasy Consumption and Related Consequences: A multi-site study with community samples" (2011). All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). 842. https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/etd/842 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Washington University Open Scholarship. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) by an authorized administrator of Washington University Open Scholarship. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Department of Economics Dissertation Examination Committee: Robert P. Parks, Chair Lee K. Benham Linda B. Cottler Steven M. Fazzari Andrew C. Heath Edward L. Spitznagel Murray L. Weidenbaum THE PSYCHO-ECONOMIC MODEL OF ECSTASY CONSUMPTION AND RELATED CONSEQUENCES: A MULTI-SITE STUDY WITH COMMUNITY SAMPLES by Arbi Ben Abdallah A dissertation presented to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Washington University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. May 2011 St. Louis, Missouri Copyright by Arbi Ben Abdallah 2011 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION The Psycho-Economic Model of Ecstasy Consumption and related Consequences: A Multi-Site Study with Community Samples by Arbi Ben Abdallah Doctor of Philosophy in Economics Washington University in St. Louis, 2011 Professor Robert P. Parks, Chairperson The consumption of mind-altering drugs is well recognized as a complex behavior entailing many different etiological precursors. To understand its complexity, drug use has to be considered from multiple perspectives. Over time, numerous theories have been advanced to explain drug use, the pattern of its use, and its related consequences. Because they approach such a behavior from slightly different vantage points, these theories offer unique explanations with different take on its genetic, physiological, psychological, and environment risk factors. A substantial body of research suggests that there exist multiple perspectives on psychological precursors to drug abuse; however, the same literature also implicates economic measures that can explain drug etiology. Economic models of consumption suggest that "market forces" adequately explain the use of drugs. Market forces alone are however necessary but not sufficient to account for drug consumption. Other ii factors that appear involved include psychological motivation and other intra- individual characteristics (i.e., depression and risk-taking) that also explain use and problems arising from drug use. Until now, the confluence of both economic and psychological theories has not been tested empirically. The present study used latent- variable Structural equation modeling to examine the influence of both economic (social anomie, monetary price, opportunity cost) and psychological risk factors (motivation, depression, and risk-taking) on self-reported Ecstasy use and its related consequences, referred to as dependence. Data used in this research were obtained from 640 recreational Ecstasy users between 2002 and 2005 in three sites in the United States and Australia participating in a NIDA-funded nosological study examining trends in club drug use. The sample was mainly Caucasian (62%), male (58%), and young [mean age =23years (SD=5.01)]. All the hypothesized latent constructs were statistically reliable and correlated in the expected direction. A Full “saturated” model indicated that, among the three key economic measures, monetary and opportunity cost, but not income, significantly predicted Ecstasy consumption. On the other hand, among the psychological measures, motivational cues were the strongest predictors of both consumption and dependence. Dependence was also impacted by depression and sex-risk. Inclusion of demographic measures (gender, age, race, and education) and site location did not appreciably alter the final model parameters. Findings are discussed with regard to incorporating the role of economic and psychological factors in shaping a more refined understanding of Ecstasy consumption and its consequences. iii DEDICATION In loving memory of my mother and father, whose inspiration and love taught me that the greatest value of life is determined by your own resolve and commitment. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are several advantages one gains from working fastidiously on a doctoral degree at a later point in life. The most important of these advantages is the research experience one gains from years of earnestly hard work and empirical inquiry. Added to this devotion, the long road one travels in a graduate school is peppered with incredible support of collaborators, colleagues, and friends. Given the road I traveled, a road paved with tremendous insight and mentorship, I am indebted to many people to whom I would like to express my sincere appreciation. First, I am truly grateful to each and every one of my dissertation committee members for their involvement and support. Second, I want to especially thank Dr. Linda B. Cottler for her tremendous guidance, vision, and support over the years. The data used for this dissertation was obtained from a NIDA-funded study spearheaded by Dr. Cottler and I do appreciate the opportunity to use this information with her permission. Most importantly, I am grateful for her friendship that has served us both well over the years; it has made the workplace both a vital intellectual and richly spiritual haven. Without her encouragement and valuable feedback I would not have been able to complete this journey. Third, I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Robert P. Parks, Chair of my dissertation committee. He was a prescient light during my graduate education; he stuck by my side and made sure that I remained focused on the end product. Here too, v we are really talking about a deep and mutual respect mixed with friendship. Dr. Parks, or dear Bob, thank you! Fourth, I would like to thank Dr. Lawrence M. Scheier, for being a “ghost mentor” and for always being positive, encouraging, and supportive. We co-authored several papers applying advanced statistical techniques. Dr. Scheier, I owe everything I know about Structural Equation Modeling and more to you, thank you! Fifth, I also wish to thank all of my colleagues and friends at the Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group (EPRG) at Washington University, School of Medicine, who directly or indirectly supported me and continuously encouraged completion of this timely and important research project. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, many thanks and appreciation should go to my wife, Melinda, and my daughters, Miriam and Leila. All three have been a major source of support and encouragement along this long journey. Thank you, Miriam and Leila, for being patient and never complaining about me skipping several of your school or sporting events while spending numerous weekends in my office poring over drafts of my dissertation. My wife Melinda was exceptionally patient and very understanding. Thank you, Melinda, for picking up the slack while I was engaged in a seemingly endless task. The completion of my Ph.D. degree marks the start of a new phase in our lives. I look forward to enjoying all the new opportunities that lie ahead. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract of the dissertation .............................................................................................. ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ vii List of Tables .....................................................................................................................ix List of Figures..................................................................................................................... x Chapter I: Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 1. Statement of the Problem ........................................................................... 5 2. Purpose of the Study .................................................................................. 8 3. Significance of the Study ......................................................................... 10 Ecstasy/MDMA and its effects ............................................................ 13 4. Organization of the Study ........................................................................ 18 Chapter II: Background ................................................................................................. 20 1. Introduction .............................................................................................. 20 2. A Historical Perspective of Addiction Theories ...................................... 22 Introduction of the Disease Model ...................................................... 24 3. Contemporary Addiction Theories .........................................................
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