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Conduct problems and early cannabis initiation: a longitudinal study of gender differences
W Pedersen1, A Mastekaasa, L Wichstrøm
1Norwegian Social Research, Munthes gate 29, 0260 Oslo, Norway. Willy.Pedersen@isaf.no
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Early conduct problems strongly predict adolescent cannabis use, with effects differing significantly by gender. Prevention efforts targeting conduct issues may reduce early drug involvement, especially in girls.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent psychology
- Developmental psychopathology
- Substance use research
Background:
- Conduct problems (CP) are linked to various negative outcomes in adolescence.
- Early onset of substance use is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding precursors to cannabis use is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between early conduct problems and the onset of cannabis use.
- To investigate potential gender differences in this relationship.
- To identify specific dimensions of conduct problems that predict cannabis initiation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 2436 adolescents in Norway.
- Data collected on conduct problems (serious, aggressive, covert), substance use, puberty, sexual activity, and family factors.
- Logistic regression analysis with a three-level error structure was used.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between early conduct problems and subsequent cannabis initiation.
- The association between conduct problems and cannabis use was significantly stronger in girls than in boys.
- Early smoking was a precursor to cannabis use, while early puberty and sexual activity were not significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Conduct problems are significant precursors to early cannabis use, with gender-specific etiological pathways.
- Preventing early conduct problems may offer a viable strategy for preventing early onset drug use, particularly among girls.