Temperament and adolescent substance use: An epigenetic approach to risk and protection

We outline an epigenetic approach to understanding the relation between sim ple dispositional characteristics and complex problem behaviors, with a foc us on adolescent substance use. Epigenetic theory predicts that effects of temperament are mediated through self-control and risk-taking tendency, iso morphic attributes that are based in temperament but represent developmenta l elaborations of these characteristics. We describe how the research progr am has confirmed predictions from epigenetic theory, addressed additional q uestions embodied in the theory, and clarified the multiple pathways from t emperament characteristics to life stress, social relationships, and motive s for substance use. In a final section, we discuss implications for the st udy of problem behavior and psychopathology.