Citation

Topitzes J, Mersky JP, Reynolds AJ. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2010; 35(5): 484-498.

Affiliation

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Institute of Child Development.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsp119

PMID

19995869

PMCID

PMC2910945

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine: (a) child maltreatment's association with young adult daily cigarette smoking, (b) variations in this association by gender, and (c) mediators of this association. METHODS: For all study participants (N = 1,125, 94% African American), data from multiple sources (e.g., child welfare records) were collected prospectively at child, adolescent, and young adult time points. Authors enlisted multivariate probit regression for objectives a and b versus exploratory and confirmatory mediation strategies for objective c. RESULTS: Maltreatment was significantly associated with daily cigarette smoking. Although not moderated by gender, this relation was fully mediated by adolescent indicators of family support/stability, social adjustment, and cognitive/school performance along with young adult indicators of educational attainment, life satisfaction, substance abuse, and criminality. CONCLUSIONS: Maltreatment places low-income, minority children at risk for daily cigarette smoking and other deleterious young adult health outcomes. Recommended treatment targets include family support/stability, emotion regulation, social skills, and cognitive/academic functioning.

Language: en