College student substance use is associated with a multitude of poor health outcomes, decreased academic performance, impaired cognitive functioning, and decreased measures of public/community safety.  Despite advancements made in research concerning the consequences of substance use, the literature regarding substance use motivations and intervention efficacy remains significantly smaller.  Mindfulness continues to be an evidence-based staple in the treatment of almost any behavioral condition, with substance use disorders being no exception.  The technique is heralded for its concise nature, relying on the competency of counselors rather than medical procedures or pharmacotherapy.  Gratification scores are often thought to influence substance use behaviors, with delayed gratification traditionally being linked with positive substance use treatment outcomes.  This study examines the interplay between delayed gratification, mindfulness, and substance use outcomes in college students. 

The study’s sample is comprised of 2,114 undergraduate students from seven different universities in six states (Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia, New York, Texas, Wyoming). 

Participants were grouped according to whether they consumed alcohol in the past 30 days (n=1467) or cannabis in the past 30 days (n=647).  All participants completed surveys which assessed the following measures: demographics, delaying gratification (via Delaying Gratification Inventory), mindfulness (via Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), cannabis use (via Marijuana Use Grid), cannabis consequences (via Brief Marijuana Consequences Questionnaire), alcohol use, and alcohol consequences (via Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire). The data was analyzed using bivariate correlations and fully saturated path models. 

Results of the analysis found increased awareness (facet of mindfulness) was linked to elevated delaying gratification scores and subsequent decreased use of alcohol/cannabis.  An inverse relationship was found between delaying gratification and alcohol consequences such that lower delaying gratification scores increased the likelihood of experiencing alcohol consequences.  This relationship was not found to be significant for cannabis consequences.  

Takeaway: the practice of mindfulness and modulation of gratification delay may prove to be advantageous in treating students at-risk for experiencing alcohol and cannabis use problems.

Herchenroeder L, Norton E, Hetelekides EM, Raeder CA, Henson JM, Bravo AJ. Delaying Gratification’s Role in the Relationship Between Facets of Mindfulness and Substance Use Outcomes. Addictive Behaviors. Published online October 26, 2021:107163. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107163