Explaining the Linkage Between Early Childhood Externalizing Behaviors and Adolescent Substance Use: The Role of Familial Characteristics and Parenting

• In Event: Exploring Substance Use with the Rochester Youth Development Study: Session I

Abstract

A conceptual linkage between problem behavior in early childhood and adolescent problem behavior has been consistently argued in the developmental literature, which emphasizes continuity in behavior from childhood to adolescence. One expression of this continuity is the impact that early indicators of problem behavior in childhood (i.e., high externalizing behaviors) have on substance use in adolescence. Existing research has consistently demonstrated that high levels of externalizing behavior are linked to early onset substance use, substance abuse and dependence, and heavy drinking during adolescence. However, less is known about the potential mechanisms that mediate this relation.

Using data from the Rochester Intergeneration Study, this paper attempts to first analyze whether different levels of delinquency and aggression early in the life course are related to a higher likelihood of an early onset in drug use. Second, we seek to identify potential mediators of this relationship, including familial characteristics and parenting practices. Our contribution to the existing research is two-fold. First, we account for the heterogeneity in early problem behavior as opposed to using more traditional, clinical cutoff scores. Second, we explore specific mechanisms that can mediate the relation and, therefore, could been targeted in order to avoid substance use in the long term.

Authors

• Pilar Larroulet, University of Maryland

• Thomas Loughran, University of Maryland

• Terence P. Thornberry, University of Maryland