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Internalizing problems: a potential pathway from childhood maltreatment to adolescent smoking
Terri L Lewis1, Jonathan Kotch, Tisha R A Wiley
1Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. TerriLewis@uab.edu
Summary
Childhood maltreatment is linked to adolescent smoking, with internalizing behaviors partially mediating this relationship. Identifying and addressing these problems in maltreated youth can guide smoking prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Childhood maltreatment is a significant adverse experience.
- Adolescent smoking is a major public health concern.
- Understanding pathways from maltreatment to smoking is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between childhood maltreatment and adolescent smoking.
- To investigate the mediating role of internalizing behavioral problems in this association.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 522 youth from ages 12 to 16.
- Data collected via caregiver reports and official Child Protective Services (CPS) records.
- Adolescent self-reports of smoking and internalizing behaviors were utilized.
Main Results:
- Maltreated youth (19%) were significantly more likely to smoke than non-maltreated youth (7%).
- Childhood maltreatment history predicted adolescent smoking at age 16.
- Internalizing behaviors partially mediated the link between childhood maltreatment and adolescent smoking.
Conclusions:
- Internalizing problems represent a key pathway linking childhood maltreatment to adolescent smoking.
- Maltreated adolescents are a high-risk group for smoking initiation.
- Interventions targeting internalizing problems may reduce smoking in this vulnerable population.
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