In addition to the cross-domain influences in the current cascade model, it is important to note that we obtained independent direct pathways between child maltreatment and early as well as late adolescent cannabis problem use, and the influence of late childhood antisocial behavior did not account for this association. These direct effects suggest that there are other processes associated with child maltreatment that are not accounted for by the development of behavioral problems or poor social competence. In determining what these processes are, it is important to note that the nonmaltreated youth reside in the same impoverished neighborhood contexts as the maltreated youth, suggesting that other familial influences are likely involved. Examination of a potentially higher likelihood of parental substance use in the maltreating families, greater exposure to substance use in the home, and/or poor parental monitoring in maltreating families are possible processes that may account for this effect. Further investigation of mediators of the direct effect of maltreatment on adolescent problem use would be important to address in future work.
