Childhood Neglect Predicted Teen Cannabis Use Through Impulsive Decision-Making

Using developmental cascade models, neglect (but not abuse) predicted elevated delay discounting, which in turn predicted increased cannabis use across ages 14-18. Neglect also directly predicted greater cigarette use. The indirect pathway through delay discounting was specific to cannabis among the three substances studied (cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis).

Longitudinal study of 167 adolescents (53% male, mean age 14 at baseline) assessed at 5 time points across ages 14-18. Maltreatment exposure during ages 13-17 was reported retrospectively. Structural equation modeling tested developmental cascade models.

This study identifies a specific mechanism linking childhood neglect to cannabis use: impulsive reward-seeking. This suggests that interventions targeting delay discounting skills in neglected youth could prevent cannabis use development.

Understanding why maltreated youth are more likely to use substances is essential for prevention. The delay discounting pathway suggests these youth may use cannabis as an immediate reward in the absence of stable caregiving.

Retrospective maltreatment reports may be biased. Moderate sample size. Predominantly correlational despite longitudinal design. Cannot determine if delay discounting is truly mediating or simply co-occurring.