Childhood psychopathology mediates associations between childhood adversities and multiple health risk behaviours in adolescence: analysis using the ALSPAC birth cohort

Abstract

Background: Childhood adversity strongly predicts adolescent multiple health risk behaviours (MRBs) such as alcohol/tobacco use, self-harm and physical inactivity, and both adversities and MRBs are associated with premature mortality and several chronic health conditions that are among the leading causes of death in adults. It is therefore important to understand the relationship between adversities and MRBs and what could mediate any association. The aim of this study was to explore whether childhood psychopathology mediates associations between adversities and MRBs. Methods: Participants were young people in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) (N = 5,799). Using structural equation modelling, we explored the associations between adversities before 9 years and MRBs at age 16 years. We also explored potential mediating pathways through dimensional psychopathology measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales at age 12 years. Results: There were strong positive associations between adversities and MRBs (b .25, 95% CI 0.20, 0.31, p < .001) suggesting that each additional adversity is associated with a 0.25 increase in number of MRBs out of 13 total risk behaviours. We found robust evidence of mediating pathways from adversities through conduct problems (b .05, 95% CI 0.03, 0.06, p < .001), hyperactivity/inattention (b .02, 95% CI 0.01, 0.03, p < .001) and peer relationship problems (b À.02, 95% CI À0.03, À0.02, p < .001) to MRBs. Conclusions: Increased conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention appear to partially explain the relationship between adversities and MRBs. Peer relationship problems also appear to reduce the association between adversities and MRBs, and further research is needed to understand how to encourage peer connectivity without increasing risk of MRBs. These results suggest that interventions aimed at reducing MRBs among those exposed to childhood adversities could focus on prevention of behavioural problems.

Adverse childhood experiences, problematic internet use, and health-related quality of life in Chinese adolescents

“…Another possible explanation for the association between ACEs and HRQOL may be related to the unhealthy behaviours caused by ACEs, such as lack of physical activity, sleep disturbances, and addictive behaviours of smoking, alcoholism, and substance abuse (Anda et al, 1999 ; Miller et al, 2006 ; Troy et al, 2021 ; Park et al, 2021 ). These health risky behaviours can lead to increased inflammation levels, which have been linked to higher risks of impaired physical, psychological, and social development (Metsios et al, 2020 ; Atrooz & Salim, 2020 ; Costello et al, 2013 ; Chrousos, 2000 ).…”

Socio-emotional behavior, learning, and the distinct contributions of Executive Functions in primary graders

“…School behavior and learning are both critical aspects of a child's development and are integral to their success both presently and in the future. Indeed, school behavior significantly influences children's interactions with peers or engagement risky behaviors (Andrade & Tannock, 2014;Troy et al, 2021). At the same time, school learning is necessary in enabling children to acquire the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed academically and professionally in future (Akbasli et al, 2016;Ritchie & Bates, 2013).…”