Family Risk Exposure Profiles During Early Childhood: Developmental Processes and Adolescent Well-Being

• Published in: Adversity and resilience science Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 151 - 170
• Main Authors: Seay, Danielle M., Ivanova, Miglena Y., Nickerson, Amanda B., Godleski, Stephanie A., Schuetze, Pamela, Eiden, Rina D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Original Article; Psychology; Public Health; Social Work; Adolescence; Early adversity; Latent transition analysis; Caregiver substance use
• ISSN: 2662-2424; 2662-2416
• DOI: 10.1007/s42844-023-00090-4

Although prior work indicates that exposure to multiple family risk factors negatively impacts adjustment in childhood and adolescence, few studies have examined whether children in high-risk families transition in and out of adversity during early childhood and whether patterns of change matter for adjustment in adolescence. Using data from a sample of 216 caregiver-child dyads participating in a study of prenatal cocaine exposure (116 exposed and 100 non-exposed; 50.9% girls), we used latent transition analysis to identify distinct profiles of early exposure to caregiver substance use (SU) and SU-related familial risk (caregiver psychological distress, exposure to violence, harshness, and low sensitivity) and the association between these profiles and adolescent well-being (i.e., hope, happiness, and life satisfaction). Assessments occurred when children were 13, 24, 36, and 48 months and during kindergarten ( M months  = 66.16,  SD  = 4.47) and early adolescence ( M years  = 13.26,  SD  = 0.88). Caregivers self-identified as 72.09% Black, 15.81% White, 10.23% Hispanic/Latinx, 1.40% other, and 0.47% American Indian. Four profiles of varying levels of exposure to caregiver SU and SU-related risks were identified from infancy to kindergarten: SU/family risks , no SU/low family risks , SU/negative parenting , and SU/low family risks . Most children stayed in the same profile (64.2%), while the rest transitioned between profiles. Children exposed to caregiver SU and family adversity had lower positive outcomes in adolescence. Stable membership in the SU/family risks profile had significant maladaptive consequences on adolescent well-being. Implications for research and the design of tailored interventions to promote well-being among at-risk youth are discussed.