Cumulative contextual risk at birth in relation to adolescent substance use, conduct problems, and risky sex: General and specific predictive associations in a Finnish birth cohort

Abstract

Background Research indicates that risk factors cluster in the most vulnerable youth, increasing their susceptibility for adverse developmental outcomes. However, most studies of cumulative risk are cross-sectional or short-term longitudinal, and have been based on data from the United States or the United Kingdom. Using data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (NFBC1986), we examined cumulative contextual risk (CCR) at birth as a predictor of adolescent substance use and co-occurring conduct problems and risky sex to determine the degree to which CCR predicts specific outcomes over-and-above its effect on general problem behavior, while testing for moderation of associations by gender. Methods Analyses of survey data from 6963 participants of the NFBC1986 followed from the prenatal/birth period into adolescence were conducted using structural equation modeling. Results CCR had long-term positive associations with first-order substance use, conduct problems, and risky sex factors, and, in a separate analysis, with a second-order general problem behavior factor. Further analyses showed that there was a positive specific effect of CCR on risky sex, over-and-above general problem behavior, for girls only. Conclusions This study, conducted within the Finnish context, showed that CCR at birth had long-term general and specific predictive associations with substance use and co-occurring problem behaviors in adolescence; effects on risky sex were stronger for girls. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that early exposure to CCR can have lasting adverse consequences, suggesting the need for early identification and intervention efforts for vulnerable children.

Childhood cumulative contextual risk and depression diagnosis among young adults: The mediating roles of adolescent alcohol use and perceived social support

“…Prior research (Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1992), including prior analyses with this sample (January et al, 2016; Mason et al, 2016) have demonstrated a link between cumulative risk exposure and later alcohol involvement. This link could be due to either genetic (e.g., family history of alcohol abuse) or environmental (e.g., parental modeling) influences, or a combination of both.…”

“…Prior research also has documented positive associations between cumulative contextual risk and adolescent alcohol use. For example, in an analysis of data from the NFBC1986, cumulative contextual risk in early childhood was a positive predictor of alcohol and other substance use in mid-adolescence (Mason et al, 2016; January et. al., 2016).…”

Longitudinal Pathways from Cumulative Contextual Risk at Birth to School Functioning in Adolescence: Analysis of Mediation Effects and Gender Moderation

“…Adolescence is another critical developmental period wherein successful completion of school is essential for the transition to adulthood and either postsecondary education/training or entry into the workforce. One recent study from the current project found that exposure to multiple contextual risks at birth increased the likelihood of substance use and co-occurring difficulties (e.g., conduct problems) in adolescence (Mason et al 2016). Although this study provided initial support for the long-term impact of multiple contextual birth risks, it did not consider the school context; therefore, it remains unknown how cumulative risk exposure at birth impacts long-term functioning in school.…”

Does Educational Marginalization Mediate the Path from Childhood Cumulative Risk to Criminal Offending?

“…Given our interest in linking childhood cumulative risk to adolescent outcomes, the analysis sample is limited to members of the birth cohort who participated in the adolescent self-report survey and who have valid data on the majority of our cumulative risk indicators, which are discussed below ( n = 5,743). Prior analyses using these data have tested for selective attrition, finding that the analysis sample has slightly more females, fewer low birth weight babies, and fewer children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy than the original live-born birth cohort (Mason et al, 2016). The ethical committee of the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District approved the study.…”

“…In a series of studies, Sameroff and colleagues (1987a; 1987b; 1993) have reported evidence that increases in the number of childhood risk factors predict a wide range of maladaptive outcomes among children and adolescents. Additional studies have linked cumulative risk exposure to internalizing problems, externalizing problems, juvenile delinquency, and drug use (Adelmann, 2005; Dekovic, 1999; Farrell, Danish, and Howard, 1992; Gerard and Buhler, 2004a; Gerard and Buhler, 2004b; Jessor et al, 1995; Mason et al, 2016; Morales and Guerra, 2006; Stouthamer-Loeber et al, 2002), as well as reduced academic performance, educational attainment, and cognitive functioning (Dubow and Luster, 1990; Gassman-Pines and Yoshikawa, 2006; January et al, 2017; Luster and McAdoo, 1994). …”