Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 12-13-2025

Abstract

As cannabis use has increased steadily over the past decade, there is critical need to evaluate early cannabis use as a potential risk factor for the development of psychosis. Neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying novelty salience could clarify how cannabis exposure may influence subclinical psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). The present study leveraged dynamic functional connectivity and task-fMRI to assess the role of novelty processing in cannabis use and PLEs. A group of brain regions dynamically tied to the salience network while viewing short films were found to increase their activation as a function of stimulus novelty during a novelty bandit task. PLEs were associated with the interaction between novelty encoding in a region of temporo-occipital cortex and exploration to gain rewards. This interaction was specific to those with a history of cannabis use, suggesting a potential neurobehavioral mechanism linking cannabis exposure and PLEs during adolescent through young adult development.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Jeremy Hogeveen

Second Committee Member

James Cavanagh

Third Committee Member

Nathan Pentkowski

Fourth Committee Member

Henry Cowan

Language

English

Keywords

cannabis, psychotic-like experiences, psychosis, novelty, aberrant salience, fMRI

Document Type

Dissertation

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