Longitudinal Studies Of Child Abuse And Neglect Research Articles

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trajectories of Firearm Exposure in Childhood

ObjectivesTo examine the longitudinal relationship between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in early life and trajectories of firearm exposure from early to middle childhood (ages 5-9). Study designData from the LONGSCAN (Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect) study were used. The LONGSCAN study was a prospective study in the United States and contained data from 1354 children from age 4 to age 18. Exposure to ACEs was measured through the wave one interview (age 5), and trajectories of firearm exposure were created using data from waves one (age 5) and two (age 9). ResultsTwo trajectories of firearm exposure in childhood were identified: a low exposure group, and a group with persistently-high firearm exposure from ages 5 to 9. ACEs were associated with membership in the high exposure group, and children with four or more ACEs had over twice the odds of membership in the high exposure group compared with children with zero ACEs. ConclusionACE exposure in early childhood is associated with persistently-high exposure to firearms from early to middle childhood. This finding highlights the need for pediatricians to consider screening for both ACEs and firearm exposure in routine examinations, as well as the need for future research to identify and evaluate interventions intended to address exposure to adversity and firearms.

Association between longitudinal patterns of child maltreatment experiences and adolescent substance use

BackgroundAlthough there is a well-established link between child maltreatment and adolescent substance use, it remains unclear if and how longitudinal patterns of maltreatment experiences are associated with substance use in adolescence. ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to examine how distinct patterns of longitudinal maltreatment experiences are associated with adolescent substance use. Participants and settingThe participants were 899 adolescents from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). MethodsWe conducted repeated measures latent class analysis (RMLCA) to identify patterns of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect from birth to age 17 and their relations to tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use at age 18. ResultsRMLCA identified three physical abuse classes (Stable low physical abuse; School age peak physical abuse; Physical abuse primarily in infancy/toddlerhood), two sexual abuse classes (Stable no/low sexual abuse; School age peak sexual abuse), and three neglect classes (High neglect in childhood; Neglect primarily in infancy/toddlerhood; Neglect primarily at school age). Adolescents in the school age peak physical abuse class showed greater alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use, compared to other physical abuse classes. Similarly, adolescents in the school age peak sexual abuse class showed greater substance use than those in the stable no/low sexual abuse class. Lastly, adolescents in the neglect primarily in infancy/toddlerhood class showed significantly less substance use than those in the other two neglect classes. ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of early intervention and ongoing maltreatment prevention.

Children with sexual behavior problems: Ties to child maltreatment, family functioning, and help-seeking.

Although the literature on children's sexual behavior problems (SBPs) has indicated that maltreatment and family dysfunction are linked to SBPs, several facets of these factors have remained unexamined. Prior research has largely focused on SBPs more broadly, though interpersonal SBPs (ISBPs) are likely a distinct, more severe SBP subtype. The aim of the current study was to examine potentially relevant, unexplored factors, including the number of types of and total allegations of maltreatment as well as familial characteristics (i.e., parenting attitudes and behaviors, discipline methods, family functioning, and help-seeking) in relation to SBPs and ISBPs. The present study included 8-year-old children (N = 1,011, 51.1% female, 53.8% Black) and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study. In the model for SBPs, externalizing symptoms, the number of types of maltreatment allegations, maladaptive discipline methods, and help-seeking were associated with SBPs, whereas child's gender, race/ethnicity, internalizing symptoms, total maltreatment allegations, income, family functioning, and parenting attitudes were unrelated, r2 = .23. When ISBPs were examined, only child's gender and externalizing symptoms were tied to ISBPs, r2 = .09. However, child's race/ethnicity and internalizing symptoms, as well as maltreatment experiences, family factors, and help-seeking, were not associated with ISBPs. These findings highlight the importance of broader externalizing symptoms for both SBPs and ISBPs as well as the role of multiple types of maltreatment, parenting behavior, and help-seeking in the context of general SBPs.

Gender differences in the role of peer relationship quality on psychological symptoms in youth at-risk for maltreatment

Previous studies have identified associations between peer relationship quality and psychological problems. The current study seeks to expand this research by 1) examining these associations within high-risk adolescents; 2) using diverse dimensions of peer relationship quality; and 3) considering potential gender differences. This study sample includes 635 youth at-risk of maltreatment derived from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) data. To eradicate within-cluster effects, the Generalized Estimating Equations approach was conducted. Results revealed that adolescents who had higher conflict with their peers showed higher levels of anger/irritability and depression. There were significant interaction effects between gender and intimacy on anger/irritability and depression. Female adolescents who had higher levels of intimacy with their peers showed greater anger/irritability and depression, compared to males who had higher levels of intimacy. Findings advance our knowledge of gender differences in the effects of peer relationship quality on psychological symptoms among youth at-risk of maltreatment.

The conditioning effects of positive experiences on the ACEs-offending relationship in adolescence

BackgroundResearch shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are problematic and may impact delinquency and arrest in adolescence. However, resiliency theories suggest the association between ACEs and delinquency/arrest may be mitigated by positive childhood experiences (PCEs). ObjectiveThis study tests the hypothesis that an accumulation of PCEs ameliorates the relationship between ACEs and delinquency and arrest during adolescence. Participants and settingProspective data were collected from approximately 800 participants in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). MethodsSelf-report data from 16-year-old participants were used to measure the two dependent variables: the number of delinquent acts committed and having at least one arrest in the past year. Count measures reflected the number of ACEs and PCEs, with the former based on reports from child protective services, caregivers, and youth collected from ages 4–12, and the latter based on self-reports at age 12. Negative binomial models analyzed delinquency outcomes, logistic regression models examined arrest, and interaction terms assessed moderating effects. ResultsACEs were associated with significantly more delinquent acts but not arrest, and PCEs were associated with significantly fewer delinquent acts but not arrest. PCEs significantly reduced the relationship between ACEs and delinquency but only for youth with moderate levels of ACEs. ConclusionsFindings indicate a need for additional research measuring the moderating effects of a variety of PCEs and to the need to enhance positive experiences for youth to prevent delinquency.

Maternal, Paternal, and Peer Relationships Differentially Predict Adolescent Behavioral Problems.

The current study investigated how maternal, paternal, and peer social relationships predict adolescent behavioral problems using secondary data analyses of the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). We aimed to examine differences between maternal and paternal relationships in predicting adolescent behavioral problems, and we hypothesized that parental relationships would more strongly predict adolescent behavioral problems than peer relationship in mid-adolescence. Participants were 929 adolescents at their 14-year-old visit. Hierarchical multiple regressions and multiple regression models revealed the following: Maternal relationship quality predicted fewer adolescent externalizing and total behavioral problems; paternal relationship quality predicted fewer internalizing problems; and peer popularity predicted fewer externalizing and total behavioral problems. In conclusion, mother-adolescent relationship may be more important for externalizing behavioral problems and father-adolescent relationship may be more important for internalizing behavioral problems. In middle adolescence, parental relationships are still more important than peer relationship in predicting adolescent behavioral problems. Study limitations and implications for research, policy, and practice were discussed.

Predicting children's differential trajectories of emotion dysregulation: A study on the intergenerational transmission of child and caregiver maltreatment

BackgroundChild maltreatment and caregiver history of abuse is negatively associated with the development of emotion regulation, and maltreatment in early childhood may be particularly disruptive. ObjectiveWe examined patterns of emotion dysregulation and the contribution of caregiver victimization and early maltreatment history on the development of distinct emotion dysregulation trajectories. ParticipantsThe current study sample (n = 1354) came from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), a longitudinal study of the antecedents and consequences of child maltreatment. Children had a varied risk of maltreatment from high risk but not referred to child protective services to children who were removed from parental care. MethodWe employed a growth mixture modeling approach to model differential trajectories of children's emotion dysregulation from age four to age ten and assessed whether children's experiences of maltreatment prior to age four and caregiver histories of abuse were associated with children's probable class membership in the identified trajectories. ResultsWe identified three classes of emotion dysregulation trajectories: Well-Regulated, Increasingly Dysregulated, and Highly Dysregulated. Early experiences of multiple maltreatment types and caregiver history of abuse were associated with higher odds that children would be in the Increasingly Dysregulated and Highly Dysregulated classes compared to the Well-Regulated class. ConclusionThe current study extends the literature on the negative associations of caregiver histories of abuse and child experiences of multiple maltreatment types to children's emotion dysregulation, which may be long-lasting. Furthermore, our findings highlight the need for intervening early as a crucial component of breaking the intergenerational impact of maltreatment.

Conduct Problems As a Pathway From Childhood Adversity to Community Violence Exposure: The Protective Roles of Caregiver Knowledge and Involvement.

Exposure to community violence (ECV) poses a prevalent threat to the health and development of adolescents. Research indicates those who have more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at higher risk for ECV, which further exacerbates risk of negative mental and physical health impacts. Additionally, those with more ACEs are more likely to exhibit conduct problems, which has also been linked to risk for ECV. Despite the prevalence and impact of ECV, there is limited longitudinal research on the risk factors that precede this exposure as well as family-level factors that may prevent it. The current study examined conduct problems as a potential mediator between ACEs and future indirect (i.e. witnessing) ECV in adolescents. Additionally, this study included caregiver factors, such as caregiver knowledge about their adolescent, caregiver involvement, and caregiver-adolescent relationship quality as potential protective moderators. Participants included (N = 1137) caregiver-adolescent dyads identified as at-risk for child maltreatment prior to child's age four for inclusion in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). Conduct problems at age 14 mediated the relationship between ACEs from ages 0-12 and indirect ECV at age 16 (standardized indirect effect = .03, p = .005). Caregiver knowledge moderated the indirect relationship (b = -.40, p = .030), and caregiver involvement moderated the direct relationship between ACEs and indirect ECV (b = -.03, p = .033). Findings expand our knowledge about the longitudinal pathways that increase risk of violence exposure over the course of adolescent development, as well as the protective benefits caregivers can offer to disrupt these pathways and reduce risk of future traumatization. Implications are discussed for interventions that aim to address and prevent trauma and adverse outcomes among youth exposed to child maltreatment, household dysfunction, and community violence.

Neglect in Childhood, Problem Behavior in Adulthood.

Few studies have reported problem behaviors in adulthood related to the timing of child neglect. The objective was to examine the relationship between classes of child neglect and later behavior. The sample included 473 participants from the prospective Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN); their mean age was 23.8years. They completed an online survey regarding behaviors and experiences in early adulthood. Neglect was assessed via Child Protective Services (CPS) and self-reports of neglect. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified three classes: Late Neglect, Chronic Neglect, and Limited Neglect. There were significant differences between Limited and Late Neglect regarding later intimate partner aggression and violence (IPAV) and psychological distress, and among all classes for criminal behavior. High-risk youth experiencing neglect beginning in mid-adolescence appear especially vulnerable to later criminal behavior, psychological distress, and IPAV. Those working with such youth can help ensure that their needs are adequately met, to prevent or mitigate problems in adulthood.

Children's behavior problems, caregivers' trauma history, and membership in latent physical abuse trajectory classes: An approach of latent class growth analysis to dating violence victimization

BackgroundChild abuse is a serious social problem in the USA as many children suffer from child abuse and its negative consequences are severe. To prevent future victimization, it is essential to understand unique patterns of child abuse trajectories over time and the factors associated with their victimization. ObjectiveThe primary goal of this study was to identify individual differences in developmental trajectories of alleged physical abuse between the ages of 2 and 12. Participants and settingThe sample included all children drawn from Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), which is a consortium of five study sites (South, East, Midwest, Northwest, and Southwest). MethodsUsing the high-risk sample with Child Protective Service record reviews prior to age 4, significant variability in trajectory class membership was observed in the unconditional Latent Class Growth Analysis. ResultsThree trajectory classes were obtained from the data: Early Onset, Late Peak and Non-Victims. The findings showed that children who had an attention problem at age 4 were more likely to become members of both the Early Onset and Late Peak groups, relative to Non-victims. Also, membership in the Late Peak group was predicted by caregivers' childhood physical abuse, supporting for the cycle of physical abuse across generations. Finally, children in the Late Peak group were at the highest risk of being physically, psychologically, and sexually abused in a dating relationship at age 14. ConclusionsThese results suggest that children's internal and external behavior problems and caregivers' childhood physical abuse are predictive of child abuse trajectory class membership. Parental education programs that increase their knowledge about children with special needs and intervention programs targeting caregivers with a history of physical abuse would be beneficial to prevent child abuse (re)victimization.

Timing of childhood adversities and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in adolescence.

Greater childhood adversity predicts a higher likelihood of later self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB). There is little research focused on whether the timing of childhood adversity predicts SITB. The current research examined whether the timing of childhood adversity predicted parent- and youth-reported SITB at age 12 and 16 years in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) cohort (n = 970). We found that greater adversity at age 11-12 years consistently predicted SITB at age 12 years, while greater adversity at age 13-14 years consistently predicted SITB at age 16 years. These findings suggest there may be sensitive periods during which adversity may be more likely to lead to adolescent SITB, which can inform prevention and treatment.

Parental Stress and Child Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Family Conflict

Although extant research demonstrates the negative impact of parental stress on child emotional and behavioral problems, the mechanisms through which parental stress influences child outcomes is less known, particularly among families at risk for child maltreatment. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to draw on past research to test the extent to which family conflict mediated the links between parental stress and child outcomes among at-risk families. Researchers conducted a longitudinal multiple regression analyses (N = 314) using data collected from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). The children included in the study were 6 years of age at time 1, 12 years of age at time 2, and 14 years of age at time 3. Results indicated positive, significant bivariate associations among parental stress, family conflict and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Additionally, partial mediation was established among parental stress, family conflict and child outcomes, suggesting an explanatory link between parental stress and child outcomes and highlighting the systemic nature of such interactions. Findings feature the importance of considering child behavior problems in the context of family functioning and extend the literature to consider the impact of parental stress and family conflict on child internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Clinical intervention implications for mental health professionals include a focus on reducing the impact of parental stress and improving family functioning through management of family conflict to support child outcomes, particularly among families at risk for child maltreatment.

Risk for substance use among adolescents at-risk for childhood victimization: The moderating role of ADHD.

BackgroundYouth who are victimized by violence are at heightened risk for substance use (SU) during adolescence, a period characterized by elevated impulsivity and risk-taking behavior. This risk may be magnified by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ObjectiveTo examine risk/protective factors for adolescent SU among adolescents at-risk for victimization and whether ADHD moderates these associations. Participants and settingParticipants were 1058 caregiver-adolescent dyads in the U.S. who participated in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). MethodBinary logistic regression analyses were conducted for each SU type. First-order effects of all variables were tested first and for each SU outcome, followed by tests of two-way interactions between ADHD group and each predictor, after controlling for first-order effects. ResultsMore externalizing behavior (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38; 95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.12, 1.71) and less parental knowledge (OR = .75; 95 %CI: .60, .95) were associated with greater risk for subsequent tobacco use. Less positive peer affiliation was associated with greater risk for subsequent illicit SU (OR = .59; 95 %CI: .36, .96). More deviant peer affiliation were associated with greater risk for all forms of SU. ADHD moderated the association between deviant peer affiliation and marijuana use [b = .9, p < .05, 95 %CI: .03, 1.77), such that deviant peer affiliation was a significantly stronger predictor of marijuana use among adolescents with ADHD than those without. ConclusionsFindings suggest risk and protective factors for SU are largely consistent for adolescents at-risk for victimization with and without ADHD, but at-risk adolescents with ADHD may be more susceptible to deviant peer influences.

Racial/ethnic group differences in parenting attitudes among at-risk emerging adults: The roles of adversity, relationship quality, and caregiver involvement and attitudes

BackgroundHealthy parenting attitudes are foundational for positive parenting and child well-being. However, few studies explore their formation and mediators explaining racial/ethnic group differences. ObjectiveThe present study prospectively examines potential mediators for racial/ethnic group differences in parenting attitudes in a diverse sample of emerging adults (EA). Participants & settingParticipants are EA and their caregivers (N = 891) who participated in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). MethodsAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), parenting attitudes, and caregiver-child relationship quality and involvement were assessed. Mediators of racial/ethnic group differences were tested using Structural Equation Modeling with bias-corrected confidence intervals based on 1000 bootstrapped samples. ResultsBlack EA had less appropriate developmental expectations and perceptions of family roles, empathy toward children, and rejection of physical punishment, compared to White EA. Latinx EA also had less empathy toward children compared to White EA. Caregivers’ parenting attitudes mediated group differences, beyond ACEs and relationship quality and involvement. Significant mediation effects include: appropriate developmental expectations, R2 = 0.08, p < .05; rejection of physical punishment, R2 = 0.06, p < .05; appropriate family roles, R2 = 0.16, p < .05; and empathy toward children, R2 = 0.15, p < .05, for Black relative to White EA, as well as, empathy toward children, R2 = 0.12, p < .05, for Latinx relative to White EA. ConclusionFindings highlight the mediating role of intergenerational transmission of parenting attitudes for explaining racial-ethnic differences and supporting positive parenting practices in diverse communities.

Predictors of Childhood Injury in Children Reported to Child Protective Services

Adverse childhood experiences, such as child maltreatment, have been shown to result in negative health outcomes throughout an individual's life. Previous research has found that children with a prior allegation of maltreatment die due to unintentional injuries at twice the rate of children who were not reported to Child Protective Services, however, death is only one outcome of injury and many unintentional injuries do not result in death. This secondary analysis of Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) data examined predictors of injury in children whose family has been reported to CPS utilizing the ecological-developmental framework theoretical domains which guided LONGSCAN: child characteristics, family/caregiver characteristics, parental and family functioning, extrafamilial relationship skills, community ecology, child outcomes, and systems of care factors. Logistic regression modeling showed that the likelihood of childhood injury significantly increased for those children who did not recognize or appropriately respond to cues of ending a conversation (OR=.37), caregiver reported child always has a good place to play in their neighborhood (OR=1.57), and child utilized educational services (OR=2.06). Understanding the predictors of injury is necessary to implement injury prevention interventions targeting the unique needs of this vulnerable population and increase awareness of prevention strategies to reduce childhood injuries.

Transmission of Intergenerational Parenting Attitudes and Natural Mentorship: Associations Within the LONGSCAN population

BackgroundEvidence suggests that families transmit child maltreatment and parenting attitudes. Natural mentorship may mediate intergenerational parenting attitudes’ risk for maltreatment but has not been studied. ObjectiveTo compare parenting attitudes between adolescents exposed to or at risk for maltreatment and their caregivers and to determine if natural mentorship mediates differences in parenting attitudes’ maltreatment risk. Participants and SettingThe study included 779 children and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study, MethodsStandardized measures assessed parenting attitudes, natural mentorship and demographic characteristics. Repeated measures, multivariable logistic regressions were used to predict low risk parenting attitudes for maltreatment among adolescents with and without natural mentors. ResultsIn adjusted analysis, natural mentorship did not predict an adolescent having low risk parenting attitudes when their caregivers had moderate or high risk attitudes: appropriate empathy adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52 -3.01; appropriate expectations aOR = 1.35; CI 0.62-2.93; physical punishment rejection aOR = 1.74; CI 0.78-3.88; and appropriate roles aOR = 1.11; CI 0.57-2.18. Low risk caregiver parenting attitudes for appropriate empathy related to adolescents having low risk empathy attitudes (aOR = 2.89; CI 1.31-6.37). Male gender, African American race and Hispanic ethnicity were negatively associated with an adolescent having low risk parenting attitudes for maltreatment. ConclusionsNatural mentorship did not mediate adolescent parenting attitudes. While prevention and intervention strategies should include natural mentoring given positive health impacts, services must be cognizant of and designed for gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

Child Maltreatment, Early Adult Substance Use, and Mediation by Adolescent Behavior Problems.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the potential mediating effects of internalizing and externalizing problems at ages 14, 16 and 18 between types of childhood maltreatment and alcohol and marijuana use problems and disorders in young adulthood. Data were from 473 young adults who participated in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). Path analysis was conducted to examine pathways between maltreatment type (birth through age 12), internalizing and externalizing problems at three time points during adolescence, and alcohol and marijuana problem use in young adulthood. Findings indicated significant pathways between physical abuse and internalizing problems at 14, which was associated with alcohol-related substance use disorder in adulthood. Externalizing problems and internalizing problems at age 14 mediated the relationship between physical abuse and marijuana-related symptoms in young adulthood. Emotional and sexual abuse were not associated with substance use problems. Implications for practice are discussed.

Caregiver problem drinking and trajectories of post-traumatic stress among youth

Youth raised by a caregiver experiencing harmful effects associated with alcohol use may experience multiple types of adversity. While the association between caregiver problem drinking and child maltreatment are well established, there is little knowledge on how caregiver problem drinking relates to trajectories of post-traumatic stress over time in youth who are at-risk or are involved in the child welfare system. Using data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), this study examined scores from the Trauma Symptom Checklist for youth at ages 8, 12 and 16. Controlling for caregiver depression, child behavioral health, and sociodemographics, results show that post-traumatic stress symptoms significantly decline over time for both groups, but youth of caregivers with problem drinking are more likely to report post-traumatic stress at age 16 in comparison to youth of caregivers with no problem drinking. These results can assist practitioners in identifying specific time points where tailored, trauma-informed, collaborative systems interventions can be developed to reduce the problems associated with youth post-traumatic stress.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Exposure to Violence.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are relatively common and can lead to harmful outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. The current study investigates the relationship between ACEs and exposure to violence in adolescence, an important area of research given the high rates of victimization in adolescence and the need for evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce the negative consequences of victimization. The study also examines sex differences in the effects of ACEs, given that some research finds that the prevalence and impact of ACEs vary for females and males. Research questions were analyzed using prospective data from 766 to 773 high-risk youth and caregivers participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). A total of 10 ACEs were assessed, including five types of child maltreatment measured using official data from child protective services agencies and five types of household dysfunction reported primarily by caregivers. Exposure to three types of violence (verbal intimidation, physical victimization, and witnessing violence) were measured using youth self-reports. Logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between the number of ACEs experienced before age 12 and the likelihood of violence exposure from ages 15 to 18. Youth experiencing more ACEs had a significantly greater likelihood of physical victimization (with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.15), but not intimidation (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.10) or witnessing violence (AOR = 1.11). Sex did not significantly moderate these relationships, but in sex-specific analyses, ACEs significantly increased intimidation and victimization for girls and witnessing violence for boys. Although the findings showed inconsistent evidence of a relationship between ACEs and exposure to violence, they support the need for interventions to reduce ACEs and their impact on exposure to violence during adolescence.

The Type and Timing of Child Maltreatment as Predictors of Adolescent Cigarette Smoking Trajectories

Background: There is limited research examining the association between child maltreatment and cigarette smoking as a specific type of adolescent substance use, and research examining high-risk samples and variations based on maltreatment type and timing remain sparse. Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to examine the relationship between child maltreatment and cigarette smoking trajectories. Methods: Latent class growth analysis and multinomial logistic regression were performed on 903 youth drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). Results: Three distinct classes of cigarette smoking trajectories were identified: (1) Stable no/low cigarette use (61%); (2) Gradually increasing cigarette use (30%); and (3) Sharply increasing cigarette use (9%). Physical abuse during early childhood and adolescence predicted membership in the sharply increasing cigarette use class. Neglect during early childhood predicted membership in the gradually increasing cigarette use class. Conclusions: Findings suggest that interventions for adolescent cigarette smoking should integrate trauma-informed approaches. Further, the results highlight early childhood and adolescence as particularly vulnerable periods with respect to the influence of physical abuse and neglect on cigarette smoking, pointing to the need for additional maltreatment prevention efforts during these developmental stages.