Examining the Mediating Effect of Vocabulary Skills on the Relationship Between Poor Nutrition and Antisocial Behavior

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Poor nutrition has been indicated as a possible risk factor in the etiology of external behavior problems. The limited number of longitudinal studies conducted on this topic seems to suggest a positive relationship between poor nutrition early in life and persistent externalizing problem behaviors throughout childhood and adolescence. Results from these studies indicate that the effect of poor nutrition on problem behavior seems to be mediated by neurocognitive deficits. This article seems to further explain the relationship between poor nutrition and antisocial behavior by focusing on vocabulary skills as a possible mediator. In order to test this possible connection, data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) was utilized.

Author

• Cassidy Tevlin, Florida State University