DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/251Z-KV34
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dace Svikis, PhD
Second Advisor
Natacha De Genna, PhD
Third Advisor
Shawn Jones, PhD
Abstract
The perinatal period is a critical time for health behaviors with outcomes that have short- and long-term effects for both childbearing person and child. Research indicates that young bisexual people are at greater risk of unintended pregnancy, experience psychosocial health disparities, and may be more likely to use cannabis during pregnancy. Few studies have examined this phenomenon. This study is a secondary analysis of mixed methods data from a longitudinal cohort study. Thematic analysis of qualitative data (n=12) revealed the contextual adaptivity of cannabis use, with participants explaining the situations and rationales which motivated their cannabis use changed over time. Participants did not believe their sexuality was related to their cannabis use. Participants reported that pregnancy was a formative experience which affected their beliefs about cannabis and cannabis use patterns. Participants shared their struggles with reducing or abstaining from cannabis use. Analysis of survey data (n=204) found that bisexual participants reported significantly more depression symptoms, stress, discrimination, childhood experiences of trauma, and cannabis use related distress and dysfunction. In a binary logistic regression, emotional distress increased the risk of prenatal cannabis use. Iterative analysis of interview data found that participants described traumatic experiences and the importance of household and significant other substance use. Concurrent triangulation of survey data found that household and significant other substance use were significantly associated with prenatal cannabis use. This study provides novel information about the pregnancy experiences of young bisexual individuals. Findings suggest that bisexual individuals may experience psychosocial health disparities during pregnancy.
Rights
© Nicole Boss
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-30-2025