From Poverty to Risk: Cognitive Roots of Tobacco Use Through Executive Function

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Cognitive Processes and Learning Pathways: Innovative Approaches to Assessment and Development

Abstract

This study investigates how family socioeconomic status (SES) shapes preadolescents’ tobacco uses through executive functions. Using data from 444 U.S. preadolescents (ages 10–11) from the first wave of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, parent-reported SES indicators, preadolescent-reported tobacco use and behavioral measures of executive functions were examined. Hierarchical logistic regression and mediation analysis revealed that lower SES indicators (family income, parental education and occupational prestige) was associated with higher likelihood of tobacco use. Importantly, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility partially mediated this relationship. These findings highlight the cognitive pathways linking socioeconomic disadvantage to early health risk behaviors. Results support the development of equity-focused, school-based interventions targeting executive functions to reduce tobacco use among vulnerable youth.

Author

• Qijia Wang, University of Cambridge