Role of emotion regulation in the development of substance use disorders among adolescents with history of childhood maltreatment: a longitudinal 5-year follow- up study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, according to the WHO, 1 in 4 adults suffered from physical abuse as children and a 12% of children were sexually abused in the past year. Childhood maltreatment is a considered one of the most potent predictors of future psychopathology. Recent research proved that one of the mechanisms underlying this association are the alterations maltreatment causes to a number of neurocognitive systems, such as emotion regulation. Deficits in emotion regulation affect to the normal interactions children have with their environment, impacting in their social relationships and making them more vulnerable to suffer from peer rejection. And thus, having enhanced probabilities for get involved in high-risk situations such as substance use and ultimately substance use disorder when they reach adolescence.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective is to assess the role of altered emotion regulation in the development of substance use disorders among adolescents with history of childhood maltreatment. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the maintenance over time of emotion dysregulation, and to establish if major levels of childhood maltreatment severity are consistent with greater emotion dysregulation and therefore, greater engagement to substance use disorders.

METHODS: A cohort study will be performed between September 2019 and December 2026. A total sample of 132 participants aged 10-12, who accomplish the inclusion and exclusion criteria, will be recruited from the “Centres de Salut Mental Infantil i Juvenil” (CSMIJ) included in the Girona’s Mental Health Network. The follow-up period will be of 5 years