Indirect Associations between Middle-Childhood Externalizing Behaviors and Adolescent Substance Use through Late-Childhood Exposure to Violence

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: PS 10 Topic - Developmental Psychopathology

Abstract

Objective: Exposure to violence is a common environmental stressor for American children, and is associated with numerous maladaptive developmental outcomes, including substance use (McCrea et al., 2019). While males are more likely to be exposed to violence as victims and witnesses, some research suggests females exhibit more maladaptive behaviors following exposure to violence (Javdani et al., 2014). To date, few studies have examined individual (as opposed to environmental) risk factors that predict violence exposure, and relatively few studies have examined differential outcomes following victimization or witnessing violence (Masten & Coatsworth, 1998). Elevated externalizing behaviors in childhood have been associated with increased levels of violence exposure by means of eliciting harsh parenting (Hipwell et al., 2008) and evoking aggressive behaviors from siblings and peers (Salzinger et al., 2006; Williams, Conger, & Blozis, 2007). The present study adds to existing literature by testing indirect associations between middle-childhood externalizing behaviors and adolescent substance use through violence victimization and witnessing in late-childhood, a developmental time period poised to influence the transition to adolescence. Gender was tested as a moderator of direct and indirect paths. Methods: Participants were 650 racially and ethnically diverse, predominantly socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Primary caregivers reported on externalizing behaviors at age 8.5, and target youth reported on experiences with victimization and witnessing violence at age 9.5. Target youth reported on their substance use at ages 14 and 16. Results: Middle-childhood externalizing behaviors predicted higher levels of victimization and witnessing violence in late-childhood. The indirect path from middle-childhood externalizing behaviors to adolescent substance use was significant through victimization but not witnessing violence. Importantly, the associations between externalizing behaviors, victimization and witnessing violence, and substance use remained after accounting for primary caregiver substance use and antisocial behavior, as well as observations of harsh parenting. Gender did not moderate these associations. Conclusion: Violence victimization, as opposed to witnessing, was a proximal predictor of adolescent substance use. Results highlight the importance of early intervention for behavior problems and childhood violence victimization.

Authors

• Shannon Savell, University of Virginia - Charlottesville
  Presenting Author

• Sean Womack, University of Virginia - Charlottesville
  Non-Presenting Author

• Melvin N Wilson, University of Virginia -Charlottesville
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kathryn Lemery-Chalfant, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Daniel S. Shaw, University of Pittsburgh
  Non-Presenting Author