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Prospective Associations of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems and Their Co-Occurrence with Early Adolescent Substance Use

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Abstract

The literature is equivocal regarding the role of internalizing problems in the etiology of adolescent substance use. In this study, we examined the association of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and their co-occurrence with early adolescent substance use to help clarify whether internalizing problems operate as a risk or protective factor. A large community sample (N = 387; mean age at the first assessment 12 years old; 83 % White/non-Hispanic) was assessed annually for 3 years. Externalizing problem behavior in the absence of internalizing problems showed the strongest prospective association with alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. A weaker, albeit statistically significant prospective positive association was found between co-occurring internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and substance use. Internalizing problems in the absence of externalizing problems protected adolescents against cigarette and marijuana use. Clarifying the role of internalizing problems in the etiology of adolescent substance use can inform the development of early intervention and prevention efforts. Our results highlight the importance of further considering the co-occurrence of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in developmental pathways to substance use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Craig R. Colder, Matthew Scalco, Elisa M. Trucco, Jennifer P. Read & Larry W. Hawk Jr.

  2. Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, USA

    William F. Wieczorek

  3. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Liliana J. Lengua

  4. Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Park Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110, USA

    Craig R. Colder

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  1. Craig R. Colder
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Correspondence to Craig R. Colder.

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This research was funded by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01 DA020171) awarded to Dr. Craig R. Colder.

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Colder, C.R., Scalco, M., Trucco, E.M. et al. Prospective Associations of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems and Their Co-Occurrence with Early Adolescent Substance Use. J Abnorm Child Psychol 41, 667–677 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-012-9701-0

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