Negative expectancy as a mediating variable in marihuana intoxication
Journal of Clinical Psychology October 1, 1978 Robert O. Pihl, Zindel V. Segal, Diane Shea 5 citations
Sixty experienced marijuana smokers took part in a study testing how a negative expectancy affects marijuana intoxication. Participants adjusted a fingertip shock to mild discomfort; only those in threat groups expected random shocks during sessions. Under marijuana, participants who anticipated shock reported feeling less intoxicated, found the environment less pleasant, yet had higher pulse rates than those not expecting shock. The findings suggest a cognitive component, particularly labeling, influences the level of intoxication.