Long-Term Family Poverty and the Heterogeneity of Depression and Substance Use Problems in Early Adulthood

Background: Health inequality among different socioeconomic populations is well documented. Low-income families often face multiple sources of stress in their daily life, such as living in an unsafe and disorganized community, experiencing more financial stress and experiencing more negative life events. Constant exposure to these stressors negatively impacts offspring's mental health and contributes to their substance abuse during adolescence and early adulthood.Not every child living in a poor family becomes maladjusted in early adulthood. Variations among families in poverty have been identified in past studies. Family functioning, peer influence, individuals’ future plans, and victim experiences further explain the heterogeneity of developmental outcomes of offspring living in poverty. However, most extant studies use variable-centered analysis rather than a person- centered analysis approach like latent profile analysis, which can better explore the heterogeneity of this issue within a given population. One purpose of the present study was to address this knowledge gap in applying latent profile analysis to distinguish subgroups of offspring growing up in poor families. On the basis of the literature regarding risk and protective oriented research on disadvantaged families, we hypothesize five subgroups can be identified in this sample: three high-risk and maladjustment groups with substance abuse, depression, and comorbidity problems; one resilience group; and one group with relative low-risk and low depression and substance abuse problems. This research further examines which contextual predictors can differentiate these subgroups.

Methods: We used four waves of data from Taiwan Database of Children and Youth in Poverty, the largest and ongoing longitudinal data focusing on poor families receiving assistance from Taiwan Fund for Children and Families. A total 850 subjects (56.5% females) and their families across four waves, from childhood to young adulthood, were analyzed for achieving the research purposes.

Results: After applying latent profile analysis and examining four financial-related risks, emotional and substance use outcomes, four groups were identified. The findings mainly supported the research hypotheses, except for the resilience group. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to distinguish the identified groups. The perception of family economic support, delinquent peer affiliation, and being bullied were key predictors that distinguished different groups.

Conclusions: The stressful experiences of economically disadvantaged families and their relationship with their offspring’s emotional and substance use behaviors are heterogeneous. It is necessary to consider the differences among poor families and to provide needed support to meet their demands. Increased family financial support as well as increased supportive peer relationships and enhanced school environment in childhood and adolescence help to prevent severe emotional and substance use problems in young adulthood