Are there reciprocal relationships between substance use risk personality profiles and alcohol or tobacco use in early adolescence?

•There is a dynamic interplay between certain personality traits and substance use.•This interplay is already present in early adolescence.•Sensation seeking seems especially relevant for substance use initiation.•Impulsivity seems influenced by first substance use and a risk factor for subsequent use.

AimWe examined whether reciprocal relationships were present between the SURPS personality profiles and substance use in early adolescence.MethodsLongitudinal data of four-waves of a broader effectiveness study were used from 1068 early adolescents.ResultsOur cross-lagged models indicated that sensation seeking and impulsivity show strongest reciprocal associations with substance use during early adolescence. In contrast, no reciprocity was present between substance use and anxiety sensitivity and only one reciprocal relationship was present between substance use and hopelessness.ConclusionsIn trying to prevent early adolescents from alcohol and tobacco use, it might be of key importance to acknowledge the mutual influence between certain personality profiles and substance use. Specifically, sensation seeking and impulsivity are relevant during early adolescence and awareness of early adolescents' vulnerability for these personality predispositions is warranted.