Role of Self-Schemas in Linking Childhood Poly-Adversity to Drinking and Smoking Behaviours Among Undergraduates

Childhood adversity is an important determinant of undergraduates' drinking and smoking behaviours; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Self-schemas are one possible pathway that may help explain this relationship. The vulnerability of self-schemas and behaviours resulting from childhood adversity may vary according to the level of childhood poly-adversity. This study examined the differential effects of low and high childhood poly-adversity on drinking- and smoking-related self-schemas and behaviours among undergraduates over time. Whether self-schemas mediate the relationship between childhood poly-adversity and behaviours was also examined. A prospective study was conducted among 275 first- and second-year Taiwanese undergraduates who reported any adverse childhood experiences in Wave I. An anonymous digital survey was administered at five-time points (6 months apart). Results showed that undergraduates with high poly-adversity had higher drinker and smoker self-schema scores and more drinking and smoking behaviours than those with no or low childhood poly-adversity. Childhood poly-adversity had significant indirect effects on drinking and smoking behaviours through drinker and smoker self-schemas. Findings suggest that low and high childhood poly-adversity have differential effects on self-schemas and behaviours. Self-schemas may be an underlying mechanism linking childhood poly-adversity to undergraduate drinking and smoking behaviours. Early identification of childhood poly-adversity experiences and interventions to promote positive self-conception may mitigate undergraduate drinking and smoking behaviours.