scholarly journals Commentary on Evans et al . (2020): The complex interplay between adolescent substance use, internalizing and externalizing symptoms

Addiction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 115 (10) ◽  
pp. 1942-1943
Author(s):  
João Picoito
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Externalizing Symptoms ◽  
Adolescent Substance Use ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Adolescent Substance ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing Symptoms

scholarly journals Are Danish adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing symptoms associated with their substance use?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Vallentin-Holbech ◽  
K R Thomsen ◽  
C Stock
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Internalizing Problems ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Externalizing Symptoms ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Harmful Alcohol ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing ◽  
Internalizing And Externalizing Symptoms

Abstract Background Several studies have found that externalizing symptoms are associated with harmful substance use. Also, findings suggest that girls are more likely to report internalizing symptoms compared to boys. This study assessed the association between internalizing and externalizing symptoms (independent variables) and substance use and alcohol-related harms (dependent variables). Furthermore, it was investigated whether associations differentiate among boys and girls. Methods Data from Danish students aged 13-17 years (N = 2601) were collected using online self-administrated questionnaires measuring demographics, substance use (drunkenness, binge drinking, smoking, cannabis use and other illicit drug use) and alcohol-related harms. Externalizing and internalizing symptoms were measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. To test associations multilevel logistic regressions were applied for each dependent variable including both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Gender differences were tested separately. Results The study population comprised of 1235 boys (47%) and 1366 girls (53%) from 42 schools in the region of Southern Denmark. Strong positive associations between externalizing symptoms and substance use were found for both boys and girls. When internalizing symptoms were present, boys demonstrated a negative association with binge drinking (OR: 0.90, p < 0.001), drunkenness (OR: 0.91, p = 0.001) and alcohol-related harms (OR: 0.91, p = 0.006). Among girls, a negative association was only found for binge drinking (OR: 0.94, p = 0.009). Conclusions This study demonstrated strong positive associations between externalizing symptoms and substance use both among boys and girls and showed that internalizing problems protect particularly boys from harmful alcohol use. The findings suggest that Danish girls should be considered equally to Danish boys regarding externalizing symptoms and substance use. Key messages Boys with internalizing problems are more protected against harmful alcohol use compared to girls. Targeting gender-specific risk factors should be considered when developing prevention programmes.

An examination of reciprocal associations between substance use and effortful control across adolescence using a bifactor model of externalizing symptoms

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Katie J. Paige ◽  
Samuel N. Meisel ◽  
Craig R. Colder
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Externalizing Symptoms ◽  
Adolescent Substance Use ◽  
Adolescent Substance ◽  
Neurotoxic Effects ◽  
The Hierarchical Structure ◽  
Regulation Development ◽  
Window Of Vulnerability

Abstract Early adolescence is thought to represent a window of vulnerability when exposure to substances is particularly harmful, partly because the neurotoxic effects of adolescent substance use may derail self-regulation development. However, previous studies fail to account for externalizing symptoms, such as aggression and delinquency, that accompany adolescent substance use and may also derail the development of self-regulation. The current study aims to clarify whether the neurotoxic effects of adolescent substance use are associated with deficits in effortful control (EC) after accounting for externalizing symptoms and to examine reciprocal relationships between EC, externalizing symptoms, and substance use. A longitudinal sample of adolescents (N = 387) was used to estimate bifactor models of externalizing symptoms across five assessments (Mage = 11.6 to 19.9). The broad general externalizing factors were prospectively associated with declines in EC across adolescence and emerging adulthood. However, the narrow substance use specific factors were not prospectively associated with EC. Findings suggest that the broader externalizing context, but not the specific neurotoxic effects of substance use, may hamper self-regulation development. It is critical to account for the hierarchical structure of psychopathology, namely externalizing symptoms, when considering development of EC.

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