title: Tobacco exposure and maternal psychopathology: Impact on toddler problem behavior.
abstract: Prenatal exposure to tobacco has consistently predicted later problem behavior for children. However, little is known about developmental mechanisms underlying this association. We examined a conceptual model for the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and child problem behavior in toddlerhood via indirect paths through fetal growth, maternal depression, and maternal aggressive disposition in early infancy and via maternal warmth and sensitivity and infant negative affect in later infancy. The sample consisted of 258 mother-child dyads recruited during pregnancy and assessed periodically at 2, 9, and 16months of child age. Pathways via maternal depression and infant negative affect to toddler problem behavior were significant. Further, combined tobacco and marijuana exposure during pregnancy and reduced fetal growth also demonstrated important associations with infant negative affect and subsequent problem behavior. These results highlight the importance of considering the role of maternal negative affect and poor fetal growth as risk factors in the context of prenatal exposure.
authors: Rochester Institute of Technology, United States. Electronic address: saggsh@rit.edu.
authors: Stephanie A
authors: SA
authors: Godleski
authors: Research Institute of Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, United States.
authors: Rina D
authors: RD
authors: Eiden
authors: Psychology Department, Buffalo State College, State University of New York, United States.
authors: Pamela
authors: P
authors: Schuetze
authors: Psychology Department, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, United States.
authors: Craig R
authors: CR
authors: Colder
authors: University of Maryland School of Medicine, United States.
authors: Marilyn A
authors: MA
authors: Huestis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000523:psychology*; D000066553:Problem Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult; D062789:Tobacco Products
keywords: Maternal psychopathology; Prenatal marijuana/cannabis exposure; Prenatal tobacco exposure; Problem behavior