Examination of the links between functions of aggression and risk for e-cigarette use among middle school-age youth: a comparison with risk for alcohol use

ABSTRACT

Background: Extant literature suggests that associations between aggression and substance use differ based on proactive and reactive functions of aggression and the specific substance use outcomes examined. To date, no research has examined links between these functions of aggression and e-cigarette use specifically, which could aid in developing prevention and intervention efforts of this substance that is gaining popularity among youth.

Methods: The current study examines associations between youth reports of proactive and reactive aggression and lifetime e-cigarette use in a sample of middle school-age youth, during a developmental time in which risk for e-cigarette use increases.

Results: Findings suggested that while both proactive and reactive aggression are associated with lifetime e-cigarette use, reactive aggression is more robustly linked to e-cigarette use (as well as lifetime alcohol use) than proactive aggression. Further, these associations were not moderated by youth perceptions of parental approval of e-cigarette use.

Conclusions: Reactive aggression appears to be most strongly associated with e-cigarette use in middle school. Findings and their implications are further discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• e-cigarette use
• proactive/reactive aggression

The authors declare no conflict of interest.