New study maps psychological pathway from childhood abuse to adolescent addiction

New study maps psychological pathway from childhood abuse to adolescent addiction

A study of high school students in China found that individuals who experienced childhood abuse were more likely to display addictive behaviors compared to their peers without such experiences. Part of this relationship was mediated by irritability and impulsivity. The research was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Childhood abuse refers to harmful or threatening treatment of a child, which can be physical, emotional, or sexual, o…