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Cited by 371Prenatal Substance Exposure EffectsCrime Patterns and InterventionsSmoking Behavior and Cessation

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and severe antisocial behavior in offspring: a review

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Wakschlag, Lauren S., Pickett, Kate E., Cook, Edwin, Benowitz, Neal L., Leventhal, Bennett L.·2002·American Journal of Public Health
DOI 10.2105/ajph.92.6.966PMC PMC1447496
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal smoking is a risk factor for conduct disorder and delinquency. We review evidence of causality, a controversial but important public health question. METHODS: We analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework. RESULTS: The association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.

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  • The most consistent associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring behavior are externalizing and disruptive behaviors, such as conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, from infancy through adulthood.

    “The most consistent associations are with externalizing and disruptive behaviors, such as conduct disorder (antisocial personality disorder in adults) and oppositional defiant disorder, from infancy through adulthood, as well as the precursors of these behaviors.”

    From Developmental toxicity of nicotine: A transdisciplinary synthesis and implications for emerging tobacco products (2017) · cites this paper as [149]

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Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. [3]Olds D. Tobacco exposure and impaired development: a review of the evidence. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 1997;3:257–269. [Google Scholar]
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Authors
Wakschlag, L. S., Pickett, K. E., Cook, E., Benowitz, N. L., & Leventhal, B. L.
Affiliations
University of California, San Francisco (US)
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Public Health
Publisher
American Public Health Association
Published
2002-06
Volume
92
Issue
6
Pages
966-974
ISSN
  • 0090-0036 (ISSN-L)
  • 1541-0048
DOI
10.2105/ajph.92.6.966
PMC
PMC1447496
OpenAlex
W2130952456
Cited by
371
References
111
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 17
FWCI
16.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Public Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • DigitalGeorgetown (Georgetown University Library) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5p50da001696-18, 5k02mh001389-03)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (K02MH01389)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (DA02277, K08DA000330, DA-01696, R01DA002277, K08 DA00330, R37DA002277)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Crime Patterns and Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Smoking Behavior and Cessation
Keywords
smoking during pregnancy, prenatal tobacco exposure, antisocial behavior, conduct disorder, juvenile delinquency, causal inference, confounding, etiology of antisocial behavior, preventable risk factors
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Child, Female, Humans, Juvenile Delinquency, Male, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Risk Factors, Smoking, United States, Causality, Maternal Exposure, Conduct Disorder

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