Adolescents exposed to neglect were more likely to develop impulsive decision-making patterns (delay discounting) that led to increased cannabis use over time, while abuse did not show this pathway.
Child welfare professionals, addiction prevention researchers, and mental health clinicians working with maltreated youth.
Neglect predicted cannabis use specifically through impulsive decision-making patterns
What the researchers found
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).
Why it matters
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.
The numbers in context
167 adolescents; 53% male; 5 time points ages 14-18; neglect predicted cannabis use via delay discounting; neglect predicted cigarette use directly; abuse pathways not significant
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Longitudinal design with structural equation modeling, but moderate sample size and retrospective maltreatment reports.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- Would interventions targeting delay discounting in neglected youth reduce cannabis use?
- Why does neglect specifically predict cannabis use through this pathway while abuse does not?
Common questions
Why does neglect lead to cannabis use?
Does childhood abuse also predict cannabis use?
Read the original research
Longitudinal Pathways From Maltreatment to Substance Use Through Delay Discounting During Adolescence and Into Young Adulthood.
JAACAP open, 2(4), 239-249
Citation
Peviani, Kristin M; Clinchard, Claudia; Bickel, Warren K; Casas, Brooks; Kim-Spoon, Jungmeen. (2024). Longitudinal Pathways From Maltreatment to Substance Use Through Delay Discounting During Adolescence and Into Young Adulthood.. JAACAP open, 2(4), 239-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2024.02.003
Explore the wider topic
- How to Talk to Your Teenager About Weed (Without Losing Them)
- My Kid's Friends Smoke Weed: A Parent's Guide
- I Smoke Weed But Don't Want My Kids To: Navigating the Hypocrisy
- Quitting Weed as a Parent: Why It Is the Hardest and Most Important Quit
- Quitting Weed as a Teen or Young Adult
- My Kid Is Smoking Weed: A Parent's Guide