Antisocial personality disorder as a predictor of polydrug use: a longitudinal study of the dual mediating roles of deviant peer association and self-control among juvenile offenders

Abstract

Background Antisocial personality disorder (APD) has been linked to increased risk for polydrug use (PU). However, there is a dearth of research focusing on the mechanisms underlying this risk. Aims To examine the relationship between APD and PU; to test for the mediating effects of deviant peer association (DVA) and self-control in this relationship; to determine if the magnitudes of observed mediation effects are equivalent. Methods The Pathways to Desistance data were analyzed. Generalized structural equation modeling tested for direct and mediating relationships. Mediation effect equivalence was tested using a Clogg Z test. Results Antisocial personality disorder was associated with increased drug use heterogeneity (coefficient = 0.479; CI = 0.107–0.851). This was significantly mediated by self-control and DVA. The magnitude of the mediation was significantly stronger for the self-control path (self-control coefficient = 0.233; CI = 0.044–0.422; DVA coefficient = 0.134; CI = 0.028–0.241). Conclusion While both self-control and DVA were found to be important for explaining PU in APD, it may be beneficial to focus on self-control to address this problem.