Paula Fite - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Paula Fite
Child & Youth Care Forum
Although the link between substance use and criminal behavior is well-established, associations b... more Although the link between substance use and criminal behavior is well-established, associations between the use of specific substances and specific criminal charges remains unclear. That is, there are mixed findings in the literature, and the majority of extant literature focuses only on associations between alcohol and marijuana use and a limited range of charges. The current study examined 30-day frequency of use of various substances (i.e., traditional tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and prescription drugs) prior to detainment, percentages of youth charged with various offenses, and whether certain offenses were associated with more frequent use of particular substances prior to detainment among detained youth. Additionally, differences in substance-charge associations among Black and White youth were evaluated. Detained youth (N = 235; 71.9% male; M age = 15.59 years) from two facilities self-reported on their substance use and the facilities provided charge data. Marijuana was the most frequent substance used and violent-related offenses were the most common charge received. Interestingly, several charges (i.e., sex-, weapon-, and violent-related offenses) were associated with less frequent use of tobacco and/or marijuana use, but youth who were detained for non-criminal reasons (i.e., children in need of care) reported more frequent use of various substances than youth detained for criminal charges. Findings were more similar than different for Black and White youth, with very few differences evident. Children in need of care appear more at risk for certain substances than those detained for criminal offenses, with associations similar for detained Black and White youth.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2022
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
Journal of Child and Family Studies
Psychology in the Schools
Child & Youth Care Forum
There are limited studies examining associations between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and peer... more There are limited studies examining associations between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and peer victimization, with some research suggesting a positive association between these two constructs and other studies indicating no association. However, no research to date has examined these associations among justice-involved youth, and CU traits may operate differently for youth who are involved in activity that results in detainment. The current study attempts to further clarify these associations by examining links between CU traits and peer victimization and examining CU traits as a moderator of associations between each form of victimization and depression symptoms, a common adjustment outcome associated with peer victimization. Finally sex differences in associations were considered. Self-reported measures were collected from 269 detained youth (75% male). Regression analyses indicated that CU traits were negatively associated with relational victimization. In contrast, CU traits were either unrelated or positively related to physical victimization, depending on whether the variance associated with relational victimization was considered. CU traits did not moderate links between both forms of victimization and depression symptoms for males or females. Findings suggest that CU traits may operate differently with various forms of victimization among justice-involved youth, with CU traits consistently linked to lower levels of relational victimization. It may be that the impact of CU traits depends on contextual/situational factors.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
Emotional/behavioral concerns are common among children with ADHD. Familial factors (e.g., parent... more Emotional/behavioral concerns are common among children with ADHD. Familial factors (e.g., parental adjustment, parenting behaviors) are linked to the presence of comorbid internalizing/externalizing symptoms among children with ADHD. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a model that includes multiple familial variables and their direct and indirect effects on child emotional and behavioral problems among children with ADHD. Participants included parents of children (6–12 years of age; M = 8.87, SD = 1.92) with a diagnosis of ADHD ( N = 300). Participants completed measures of child emotional/behavioral concerns, parental distress, routines, and parenting behaviors. Path analyses revealed direct effects for parental distress, parent behavior and routines on child adjustment, after controlling for the other variables. A significant indirect relation between parental distress, routines, and externalizing behavior was observed. These findings highlight one specific path through which parental distress appears to influence specific behavioral concerns that are commonly observed in children with ADHD.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
The current study examined associations between sibling victimization and anxiety and depression ... more The current study examined associations between sibling victimization and anxiety and depression symptoms while also considering peer victimization within time and six months later among elementary school-age youth. Both sibling and peer victimization were associated with depression symptoms within as well as across time when considered independently. However, when examined together, peer victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms within time and sibling victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms across time. Sibling and peer victimization were associated with anxiety symptoms within, but not across, time when examined independently, and no associations were evident when sibling and peer victimization were examined simultaneously. No interactive effects of sibling and peer victimization were evident for depression or anxiety symptoms, indicating unique rather than cumulative contributions. Findings suggest that the impact of sibling victimization on depression symptoms is more robust than effects of peer victimization over time.
Child & Youth Care Forum
Background Although cyber victimization (CV) occurs in both middle school (MS) and high school (H... more Background Although cyber victimization (CV) occurs in both middle school (MS) and high school (HS)-and these experiences appear to differ between boys and girls-to our knowledge, no studies have directly examined these differences across specific acts of CV. Further, limited research has examined school environment factors, such as school safety and attachment, as they relate to CV. Objectives The current study compared CV experiences reported by boys and girls in both MS and HS as well as examined CV's association with perceived school safety and school attachment. Method Participants were 286 MS and 304 HS students (52% boys) from a small, rural Midwestern community in the United States. Self-reported measures were collected. Results HS girls reported experiencing more CV than MS girls on 5 of the 6 CV acts examined. Additionally, HS girls reported experiencing more CV on 3 of the acts compared to MS boys. In general, HS boys and HS girls report similar rates of CV, with the exception of HS girls experiencing higher levels of "people saying mean and nasty things about them." Regression analyses indicated that youth who report higher CV feel less connected to school, but their CV experiences do not appear to be related their perceived school safety when also considering traditional forms of victimization. Conclusions CV experiences are higher for HS girls for the majority of different types of CV acts compared to MS youth but similar to HS boys, and experiencing these acts is associated with less school connectedness.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
Childhood aggression is associated with many deleterious outcomes and is a common reason for psyc... more Childhood aggression is associated with many deleterious outcomes and is a common reason for psychiatric referral (Card & Little, 2006; Gurnani et al., 2016). One factor associated with childhood aggression is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs; Felitti et al., 1998). However, existing research remains equivocal on which characteristics of ACEs (e.g., cumulative impact, typology, etc.) are significantly elated to aggression, especially when considering differential effects of ACEs on proactive aggression (PA) and reactive aggression (RA; Dodge & Coie, 1987). Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are a common negative sequalae of ACEs and are characterized by disruptions in several cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes similar to those associated with both RA and PA (e.g., Marsee, 2008). As such, the examination of PTSS as an underlying mechanism of influence on the relation between ACEs, PA, and RA is warranted. The present study fills several gaps in the literature by examining ACE characteristics that might be related to PTSS, PA, and RA while also examining direct and indirect effects on the relation between ACEs, PTSS and PA and RA. Results indicated the type of ACE, specifically child maltreatment ACEs (CM-ACEs), was most strongly related to all outcome variables. Therefore, CM-ACEs were included in a path analysis with PTSS, PA, and RA. Results indicated a significant indirect effect for PTSS on the relation between CM-ACEs and RA (β = .18, p < .01) but not PA. Findings have several implications for future research and clinical practice, especially for children with an extensive history of CM-ACEs.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT Background: Extant literature suggests that associations between aggression and substanc... more ABSTRACT Background: Extant literature suggests that associations between aggression and substance use differ based on proactive and reactive functions of aggression and the specific substance use outcomes examined. To date, no research has examined links between these functions of aggression and e-cigarette use specifically, which could aid in developing prevention and intervention efforts of this substance that is gaining popularity among youth. Methods: The current study examines associations between youth reports of proactive and reactive aggression and lifetime e-cigarette use in a sample of middle school-age youth, during a developmental time in which risk for e-cigarette use increases. Results: Findings suggested that while both proactive and reactive aggression are associated with lifetime e-cigarette use, reactive aggression is more robustly linked to e-cigarette use (as well as lifetime alcohol use) than proactive aggression. Further, these associations were not moderated by youth perceptions of parental approval of e-cigarette use. Conclusions: Reactive aggression appears to be most strongly associated with e-cigarette use in middle school. Findings and their implications are further discussed.
Journal of American College Health
Objective: Substance use peaks in emerging adulthood, with evidence suggesting that college-atten... more Objective: Substance use peaks in emerging adulthood, with evidence suggesting that college-attending emerging adults have a higher rate of substance use than their non-college attending peers. More insight into the factors that might contribute to substance use among college-attending emerging adults is needed. The current study examined the moderating role of emotion reactivity in the link between perceived importance of reasons for not using substances and lifetime marijuana and alcohol use. Participants: 440 undergraduate students under the age of 21 (M = 18.67, 47.7% Male) from a large Midwestern university participated in the study. Methods Participants responded survey items assessing reasons for not using, lifetime marijuana and alcohol use, and emotion reactivity. Results: Emotion reactivity only moderated the link between reasons for not using alcohol (i.e., reasons related to self-control) and lifetime alcohol use. Conclusions: Future research on reasons for not using is warranted. Implications for preventative interventions are discussed.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT E-cigarette use among adolescents continues to rise. However, little research has examin... more ABSTRACT E-cigarette use among adolescents continues to rise. However, little research has examined factors that influence adolescent e-cigarette use. The goal of the current study was to better understand family influences (i.e., perceptions of parental attitudes and sibling use) of e-cigarette use and determine how these influences on e-cigarette use compared to their influence on other substances (i.e., alcohol, traditional tobacco, and marijuana). A sample of 279 9th to 12th graders completed surveys, and results indicated that adolescents perceive that their parents feel that e-cigarettes are less wrong than traditional tobacco use and similarly wrong to marijuana use. Siblings used traditional tobacco at a higher rate than e-cigarettes and marijuana, which siblings have used at similar rates. Alcohol was perceived to be the substance that parents felt was least wrong to use and the most used substance by siblings. Perceptions of parental attitudes toward substances were related to adolescent use of all substances. Sibling use was positively associated with traditional tobacco, e-cigarette, and marijuana use, but not alcohol use. Thus, it appears that adolescent e-cigarette use is influenced by both parental attitudes and sibling use.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT Background: Middle school age youth are increasing their use of e-cigarettes, which crea... more ABSTRACT Background: Middle school age youth are increasing their use of e-cigarettes, which creates a major public health concern. However, more research examining e-cigarette use in this age group is needed. Methods: The current study examines trends in e-cigarette use, perceptions of parental attitudes regarding e-cigarettes, and sibling use over a three-year period (Fall 2016 to Spring 2019) and how these rates compared to other substances (traditional tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) within time in a sample of middle school age youth residing in the Midwest United States. Results: Findings indicate an increase in youth endorsing lifetime e-cigarette use in 2018 and 2019, with percentages of youth reporting e-cigarette use higher than traditional tobacco use and marijuana use. Further, more youth are indicating more favorable parental attitudes regarding their use of e-cigarettes in 2018 and 2019, with similar perceptions of parental attitudes regarding alcohol use. The percentage of youth who endorsed sibling use of e-cigarettes did not change over the three years. Conclusions: Findings suggest that more work is needed to prevent the initiation of e-cigarettes among middle school age youth, and one avenue may include parents communicating their disapproval as well as the harms associated with use.
Frontiers in Genetics
Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates tha... more Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates that PSU is based on gene x environment (G×E) interactions, yet the specific biosocial factors underlying this problem remain elusive. We recently reported that lifetime use of tobacco and cannabis in college students is influenced by the interaction of the Xlinked MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) gene and child maltreatment. Building on these premises, here we evaluated whether the same G×E interaction may also predict PSU in this population. Students of a large Midwestern university (n = 470; 50.9% females) took part in a computer survey for substance use, as well as childhood trauma exposure, using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). DNA was extracted from their saliva samples and genotyped for MAOA variable-number of tandem repeat (VNTR) variants. Findings indicated that the highest number of substances were used by male students harboring low-activity MAOA alleles with a history of childhood emotional abuse. In contrast, female homozygous high-activity MAOA carriers with a history of emotional and physical abuse reported consumption of the greatest number of substances. Our results indicate that PSU among college students is influenced by the interaction of MAOA and child maltreatment in a sex-specific fashion. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms of sex differences in the biosocial interplays underlying PSU in this at-risk group.
Journal of Community Psychology
There is growing evidence indicating that a lack of perceived containment, or youth's beliefs... more There is growing evidence indicating that a lack of perceived containment, or youth's beliefs about whether adults can control their behavior, is associated with problem behavior. However, little research has examined factors that may contribute to perceived containment, which would be helpful in further tailoring prevention and intervention efforts for problem behavior. The current study evaluated associations between callous-unemotional (C/U) traits, peer delinquency, neighborhood problems, and perceived containment. Associations were examined using a sample of detained youth. Findings indicated that while all three factors were correlated with perceived containment, only C/U traits (particularly the callousness and uncaring subscales) and peer delinquency were uniquely associated with perceived containment. Further, C/U traits did not moderate the links between peer delinquency or neighborhood problems and perceived containment. This study supports the influence of both individual and contextual factors on perceived containment, suggesting multiple factors to target for prevention and intervention.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) appears to be distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disord... more Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) appears to be distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and unique patterns of association between SCT and comorbid symptoms have been reported in the literature. The current study examined the relation between environmental supports and comorbid concerns among children with high SCT. Parents of children (ages 6–12) with a diagnosis of ADHD and clinically elevated SCT (N = 126) completed measures of emotional/behavioral functioning, child routines, and parental adjustment. Regression analyses revealed that after controlling for child age and parental adjustment, Household and Daily Living routines were associated with lower levels of externalizing symptoms while Discipline routines were associated with higher levels of these symptoms, accounting for nearly 20% of the variance in the equation. The findings suggest that for children with ADHD and high SCT routines may play an important role as an environmental support for externalizing symptoms.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
There is preliminary research indicating that perceived containment, or one’s perception that adu... more There is preliminary research indicating that perceived containment, or one’s perception that adults can control one’s behavior, is associated with aggression and other problem behavior. However, more research is needed to understand the construct of perceived containment. To this end, the current study sought to assess the following aims in a sample of middle childhood-age youth: 1) Evaluate the stability of perceived containment over a 6-month period, 2) Examine whether perceived containment is associated with proactive and reactive aggression and disciplinary actions within as well as across time, and 3) Evaluate sex differences in these associations. Youth self-reports of perceived containment, teacher reports of proactive and reactive aggression, and school records of disciplinary actions at time 1 (Spring 2017) and 6 months later (Fall 2017) were collected. Findings indicated that perceived containment is stable over a 6-month period and is associated with problem behavior, most robustly disciplinary actions, but findings were not consistent across time points. At time 1, high levels of perceived containment were associated with decreased risk for disciplinary actions for girls, but not boys; no other sex differences were evident. Implications for findings and future directions are discussed.
Child & Youth Care Forum
BackgroundAlthough there are concerns regarding the use of restrictive housing with detained yout... more BackgroundAlthough there are concerns regarding the use of restrictive housing with detained youth, little research has examined factors that contribute to youth risk for restrictive housing.ObjectiveThe current study examined whether perceived containment and contextual factors (i.e., peer delinquency, neighborhood problems, stressful life events, and parental psychological control) were predictive of levels of restrictive housing (i.e., Tier 2 and Tier 3) in a sample of detained youth.MethodYouth self-reports of constructs were examined as predictors of levels of restrictive housing.ResultsAnalyses indicated that while peer delinquency was only associated with Tier 2 intervention (i.e., day room restriction), perceived containment and neighborhood problems were only associated with Tier 3 intervention (i.e., lockdowns and restraints). Neither stressful life events nor parental psychological control were associated with any restrictive housing outcome. Finally, the number of days in detention were robustly positively associated with all restrictive housing outcomes examined.ConclusionsFindings suggest that factors beyond the facility (e.g., neighborhood environment, peer groups) may have a meaningful impact on behavior while detained.
Child & Youth Care Forum
BackgroundThere is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among ... more BackgroundThere is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among middle school age youth, which is a time of increased online usage and risk for problem behaviors.ObjectiveThe current study evaluated associations between cyber victimization, lifetime substance use, and anxiety and depression symptoms over an academic year while also considering physical and relational victimization.MethodSurveys were completed by 260 students (53% male, ages 11–15) in middle school within a small, rural area in the fall and spring of an academic year.ResultsRegression analyzes indicated that cyber victimization was linked to increased risk for substance use concurrently and prospectively. Cyber victimization, however, was not related to anxiety or depression symptoms at either time point when also considering physical and relational victimization.ConclusionsCyber victimization is evident in middle school and increases the risk for substance use.
Child & Youth Care Forum
Although the link between substance use and criminal behavior is well-established, associations b... more Although the link between substance use and criminal behavior is well-established, associations between the use of specific substances and specific criminal charges remains unclear. That is, there are mixed findings in the literature, and the majority of extant literature focuses only on associations between alcohol and marijuana use and a limited range of charges. The current study examined 30-day frequency of use of various substances (i.e., traditional tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and prescription drugs) prior to detainment, percentages of youth charged with various offenses, and whether certain offenses were associated with more frequent use of particular substances prior to detainment among detained youth. Additionally, differences in substance-charge associations among Black and White youth were evaluated. Detained youth (N = 235; 71.9% male; M age = 15.59 years) from two facilities self-reported on their substance use and the facilities provided charge data. Marijuana was the most frequent substance used and violent-related offenses were the most common charge received. Interestingly, several charges (i.e., sex-, weapon-, and violent-related offenses) were associated with less frequent use of tobacco and/or marijuana use, but youth who were detained for non-criminal reasons (i.e., children in need of care) reported more frequent use of various substances than youth detained for criminal charges. Findings were more similar than different for Black and White youth, with very few differences evident. Children in need of care appear more at risk for certain substances than those detained for criminal offenses, with associations similar for detained Black and White youth.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2022
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
Journal of Child and Family Studies
Psychology in the Schools
Child & Youth Care Forum
There are limited studies examining associations between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and peer... more There are limited studies examining associations between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and peer victimization, with some research suggesting a positive association between these two constructs and other studies indicating no association. However, no research to date has examined these associations among justice-involved youth, and CU traits may operate differently for youth who are involved in activity that results in detainment. The current study attempts to further clarify these associations by examining links between CU traits and peer victimization and examining CU traits as a moderator of associations between each form of victimization and depression symptoms, a common adjustment outcome associated with peer victimization. Finally sex differences in associations were considered. Self-reported measures were collected from 269 detained youth (75% male). Regression analyses indicated that CU traits were negatively associated with relational victimization. In contrast, CU traits were either unrelated or positively related to physical victimization, depending on whether the variance associated with relational victimization was considered. CU traits did not moderate links between both forms of victimization and depression symptoms for males or females. Findings suggest that CU traits may operate differently with various forms of victimization among justice-involved youth, with CU traits consistently linked to lower levels of relational victimization. It may be that the impact of CU traits depends on contextual/situational factors.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
Emotional/behavioral concerns are common among children with ADHD. Familial factors (e.g., parent... more Emotional/behavioral concerns are common among children with ADHD. Familial factors (e.g., parental adjustment, parenting behaviors) are linked to the presence of comorbid internalizing/externalizing symptoms among children with ADHD. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a model that includes multiple familial variables and their direct and indirect effects on child emotional and behavioral problems among children with ADHD. Participants included parents of children (6–12 years of age; M = 8.87, SD = 1.92) with a diagnosis of ADHD ( N = 300). Participants completed measures of child emotional/behavioral concerns, parental distress, routines, and parenting behaviors. Path analyses revealed direct effects for parental distress, parent behavior and routines on child adjustment, after controlling for the other variables. A significant indirect relation between parental distress, routines, and externalizing behavior was observed. These findings highlight one specific path through which parental distress appears to influence specific behavioral concerns that are commonly observed in children with ADHD.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
The current study examined associations between sibling victimization and anxiety and depression ... more The current study examined associations between sibling victimization and anxiety and depression symptoms while also considering peer victimization within time and six months later among elementary school-age youth. Both sibling and peer victimization were associated with depression symptoms within as well as across time when considered independently. However, when examined together, peer victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms within time and sibling victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms across time. Sibling and peer victimization were associated with anxiety symptoms within, but not across, time when examined independently, and no associations were evident when sibling and peer victimization were examined simultaneously. No interactive effects of sibling and peer victimization were evident for depression or anxiety symptoms, indicating unique rather than cumulative contributions. Findings suggest that the impact of sibling victimization on depression symptoms is more robust than effects of peer victimization over time.
Child & Youth Care Forum
Background Although cyber victimization (CV) occurs in both middle school (MS) and high school (H... more Background Although cyber victimization (CV) occurs in both middle school (MS) and high school (HS)-and these experiences appear to differ between boys and girls-to our knowledge, no studies have directly examined these differences across specific acts of CV. Further, limited research has examined school environment factors, such as school safety and attachment, as they relate to CV. Objectives The current study compared CV experiences reported by boys and girls in both MS and HS as well as examined CV's association with perceived school safety and school attachment. Method Participants were 286 MS and 304 HS students (52% boys) from a small, rural Midwestern community in the United States. Self-reported measures were collected. Results HS girls reported experiencing more CV than MS girls on 5 of the 6 CV acts examined. Additionally, HS girls reported experiencing more CV on 3 of the acts compared to MS boys. In general, HS boys and HS girls report similar rates of CV, with the exception of HS girls experiencing higher levels of "people saying mean and nasty things about them." Regression analyses indicated that youth who report higher CV feel less connected to school, but their CV experiences do not appear to be related their perceived school safety when also considering traditional forms of victimization. Conclusions CV experiences are higher for HS girls for the majority of different types of CV acts compared to MS youth but similar to HS boys, and experiencing these acts is associated with less school connectedness.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
Childhood aggression is associated with many deleterious outcomes and is a common reason for psyc... more Childhood aggression is associated with many deleterious outcomes and is a common reason for psychiatric referral (Card & Little, 2006; Gurnani et al., 2016). One factor associated with childhood aggression is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs; Felitti et al., 1998). However, existing research remains equivocal on which characteristics of ACEs (e.g., cumulative impact, typology, etc.) are significantly elated to aggression, especially when considering differential effects of ACEs on proactive aggression (PA) and reactive aggression (RA; Dodge & Coie, 1987). Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are a common negative sequalae of ACEs and are characterized by disruptions in several cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes similar to those associated with both RA and PA (e.g., Marsee, 2008). As such, the examination of PTSS as an underlying mechanism of influence on the relation between ACEs, PA, and RA is warranted. The present study fills several gaps in the literature by examining ACE characteristics that might be related to PTSS, PA, and RA while also examining direct and indirect effects on the relation between ACEs, PTSS and PA and RA. Results indicated the type of ACE, specifically child maltreatment ACEs (CM-ACEs), was most strongly related to all outcome variables. Therefore, CM-ACEs were included in a path analysis with PTSS, PA, and RA. Results indicated a significant indirect effect for PTSS on the relation between CM-ACEs and RA (β = .18, p < .01) but not PA. Findings have several implications for future research and clinical practice, especially for children with an extensive history of CM-ACEs.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT Background: Extant literature suggests that associations between aggression and substanc... more ABSTRACT Background: Extant literature suggests that associations between aggression and substance use differ based on proactive and reactive functions of aggression and the specific substance use outcomes examined. To date, no research has examined links between these functions of aggression and e-cigarette use specifically, which could aid in developing prevention and intervention efforts of this substance that is gaining popularity among youth. Methods: The current study examines associations between youth reports of proactive and reactive aggression and lifetime e-cigarette use in a sample of middle school-age youth, during a developmental time in which risk for e-cigarette use increases. Results: Findings suggested that while both proactive and reactive aggression are associated with lifetime e-cigarette use, reactive aggression is more robustly linked to e-cigarette use (as well as lifetime alcohol use) than proactive aggression. Further, these associations were not moderated by youth perceptions of parental approval of e-cigarette use. Conclusions: Reactive aggression appears to be most strongly associated with e-cigarette use in middle school. Findings and their implications are further discussed.
Journal of American College Health
Objective: Substance use peaks in emerging adulthood, with evidence suggesting that college-atten... more Objective: Substance use peaks in emerging adulthood, with evidence suggesting that college-attending emerging adults have a higher rate of substance use than their non-college attending peers. More insight into the factors that might contribute to substance use among college-attending emerging adults is needed. The current study examined the moderating role of emotion reactivity in the link between perceived importance of reasons for not using substances and lifetime marijuana and alcohol use. Participants: 440 undergraduate students under the age of 21 (M = 18.67, 47.7% Male) from a large Midwestern university participated in the study. Methods Participants responded survey items assessing reasons for not using, lifetime marijuana and alcohol use, and emotion reactivity. Results: Emotion reactivity only moderated the link between reasons for not using alcohol (i.e., reasons related to self-control) and lifetime alcohol use. Conclusions: Future research on reasons for not using is warranted. Implications for preventative interventions are discussed.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT E-cigarette use among adolescents continues to rise. However, little research has examin... more ABSTRACT E-cigarette use among adolescents continues to rise. However, little research has examined factors that influence adolescent e-cigarette use. The goal of the current study was to better understand family influences (i.e., perceptions of parental attitudes and sibling use) of e-cigarette use and determine how these influences on e-cigarette use compared to their influence on other substances (i.e., alcohol, traditional tobacco, and marijuana). A sample of 279 9th to 12th graders completed surveys, and results indicated that adolescents perceive that their parents feel that e-cigarettes are less wrong than traditional tobacco use and similarly wrong to marijuana use. Siblings used traditional tobacco at a higher rate than e-cigarettes and marijuana, which siblings have used at similar rates. Alcohol was perceived to be the substance that parents felt was least wrong to use and the most used substance by siblings. Perceptions of parental attitudes toward substances were related to adolescent use of all substances. Sibling use was positively associated with traditional tobacco, e-cigarette, and marijuana use, but not alcohol use. Thus, it appears that adolescent e-cigarette use is influenced by both parental attitudes and sibling use.
Journal of Substance Use
ABSTRACT Background: Middle school age youth are increasing their use of e-cigarettes, which crea... more ABSTRACT Background: Middle school age youth are increasing their use of e-cigarettes, which creates a major public health concern. However, more research examining e-cigarette use in this age group is needed. Methods: The current study examines trends in e-cigarette use, perceptions of parental attitudes regarding e-cigarettes, and sibling use over a three-year period (Fall 2016 to Spring 2019) and how these rates compared to other substances (traditional tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) within time in a sample of middle school age youth residing in the Midwest United States. Results: Findings indicate an increase in youth endorsing lifetime e-cigarette use in 2018 and 2019, with percentages of youth reporting e-cigarette use higher than traditional tobacco use and marijuana use. Further, more youth are indicating more favorable parental attitudes regarding their use of e-cigarettes in 2018 and 2019, with similar perceptions of parental attitudes regarding alcohol use. The percentage of youth who endorsed sibling use of e-cigarettes did not change over the three years. Conclusions: Findings suggest that more work is needed to prevent the initiation of e-cigarettes among middle school age youth, and one avenue may include parents communicating their disapproval as well as the harms associated with use.
Frontiers in Genetics
Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates tha... more Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates that PSU is based on gene x environment (G×E) interactions, yet the specific biosocial factors underlying this problem remain elusive. We recently reported that lifetime use of tobacco and cannabis in college students is influenced by the interaction of the Xlinked MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) gene and child maltreatment. Building on these premises, here we evaluated whether the same G×E interaction may also predict PSU in this population. Students of a large Midwestern university (n = 470; 50.9% females) took part in a computer survey for substance use, as well as childhood trauma exposure, using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). DNA was extracted from their saliva samples and genotyped for MAOA variable-number of tandem repeat (VNTR) variants. Findings indicated that the highest number of substances were used by male students harboring low-activity MAOA alleles with a history of childhood emotional abuse. In contrast, female homozygous high-activity MAOA carriers with a history of emotional and physical abuse reported consumption of the greatest number of substances. Our results indicate that PSU among college students is influenced by the interaction of MAOA and child maltreatment in a sex-specific fashion. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms of sex differences in the biosocial interplays underlying PSU in this at-risk group.
Journal of Community Psychology
There is growing evidence indicating that a lack of perceived containment, or youth's beliefs... more There is growing evidence indicating that a lack of perceived containment, or youth's beliefs about whether adults can control their behavior, is associated with problem behavior. However, little research has examined factors that may contribute to perceived containment, which would be helpful in further tailoring prevention and intervention efforts for problem behavior. The current study evaluated associations between callous-unemotional (C/U) traits, peer delinquency, neighborhood problems, and perceived containment. Associations were examined using a sample of detained youth. Findings indicated that while all three factors were correlated with perceived containment, only C/U traits (particularly the callousness and uncaring subscales) and peer delinquency were uniquely associated with perceived containment. Further, C/U traits did not moderate the links between peer delinquency or neighborhood problems and perceived containment. This study supports the influence of both individual and contextual factors on perceived containment, suggesting multiple factors to target for prevention and intervention.
Child Psychiatry & Human Development
Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) appears to be distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disord... more Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) appears to be distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and unique patterns of association between SCT and comorbid symptoms have been reported in the literature. The current study examined the relation between environmental supports and comorbid concerns among children with high SCT. Parents of children (ages 6–12) with a diagnosis of ADHD and clinically elevated SCT (N = 126) completed measures of emotional/behavioral functioning, child routines, and parental adjustment. Regression analyses revealed that after controlling for child age and parental adjustment, Household and Daily Living routines were associated with lower levels of externalizing symptoms while Discipline routines were associated with higher levels of these symptoms, accounting for nearly 20% of the variance in the equation. The findings suggest that for children with ADHD and high SCT routines may play an important role as an environmental support for externalizing symptoms.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
There is preliminary research indicating that perceived containment, or one’s perception that adu... more There is preliminary research indicating that perceived containment, or one’s perception that adults can control one’s behavior, is associated with aggression and other problem behavior. However, more research is needed to understand the construct of perceived containment. To this end, the current study sought to assess the following aims in a sample of middle childhood-age youth: 1) Evaluate the stability of perceived containment over a 6-month period, 2) Examine whether perceived containment is associated with proactive and reactive aggression and disciplinary actions within as well as across time, and 3) Evaluate sex differences in these associations. Youth self-reports of perceived containment, teacher reports of proactive and reactive aggression, and school records of disciplinary actions at time 1 (Spring 2017) and 6 months later (Fall 2017) were collected. Findings indicated that perceived containment is stable over a 6-month period and is associated with problem behavior, most robustly disciplinary actions, but findings were not consistent across time points. At time 1, high levels of perceived containment were associated with decreased risk for disciplinary actions for girls, but not boys; no other sex differences were evident. Implications for findings and future directions are discussed.
Child & Youth Care Forum
BackgroundAlthough there are concerns regarding the use of restrictive housing with detained yout... more BackgroundAlthough there are concerns regarding the use of restrictive housing with detained youth, little research has examined factors that contribute to youth risk for restrictive housing.ObjectiveThe current study examined whether perceived containment and contextual factors (i.e., peer delinquency, neighborhood problems, stressful life events, and parental psychological control) were predictive of levels of restrictive housing (i.e., Tier 2 and Tier 3) in a sample of detained youth.MethodYouth self-reports of constructs were examined as predictors of levels of restrictive housing.ResultsAnalyses indicated that while peer delinquency was only associated with Tier 2 intervention (i.e., day room restriction), perceived containment and neighborhood problems were only associated with Tier 3 intervention (i.e., lockdowns and restraints). Neither stressful life events nor parental psychological control were associated with any restrictive housing outcome. Finally, the number of days in detention were robustly positively associated with all restrictive housing outcomes examined.ConclusionsFindings suggest that factors beyond the facility (e.g., neighborhood environment, peer groups) may have a meaningful impact on behavior while detained.
Child & Youth Care Forum
BackgroundThere is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among ... more BackgroundThere is limited research examining outcomes associated with cyber victimization among middle school age youth, which is a time of increased online usage and risk for problem behaviors.ObjectiveThe current study evaluated associations between cyber victimization, lifetime substance use, and anxiety and depression symptoms over an academic year while also considering physical and relational victimization.MethodSurveys were completed by 260 students (53% male, ages 11–15) in middle school within a small, rural area in the fall and spring of an academic year.ResultsRegression analyzes indicated that cyber victimization was linked to increased risk for substance use concurrently and prospectively. Cyber victimization, however, was not related to anxiety or depression symptoms at either time point when also considering physical and relational victimization.ConclusionsCyber victimization is evident in middle school and increases the risk for substance use.