Pathways from Early Childhood Adversity to Later Adult Drug Use and Psychological Distress: A Prospective Study of a Cohort of African Americans

J Health Soc Behav. 2016 Jun;57(2):223-39. doi: 10.1177/0022146516646808.

Abstract

Drawing on the life course perspective, this research addresses the direct and indirect pathways between childhood adversity and midlife psychological distress and drug use across a majority of the life span in an African American cohort (N = 1,242) followed from age 6 to 42 (1966 to 2002). Results from structural equation models highlight the impact of low childhood socioeconomic status (SES), poor maternal mental health, and the role of first-grade maladaptation in launching a trajectory of social maladaptation from age 6 to 42. Specifically, for men, we found a direct pathway from early low SES to drug use in mid adulthood and an indirect pathway to psychological distress through first-grade maladaptation and adolescent poor mental health. For females, early SES affected first-grade maladaptation and low school bonds, which then predicted later drug use.

Keywords: adversity; classroom behavior; family bonds; psychological distress; school bonds; substance use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adult Survivors of Child Adverse Events / psychology*
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Class
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Young Adult