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The relationship between depression and smoking in adolescents
Julie S Vogel1, David P Hurford, Janet V Smith
1Pittsburg State University, 1701 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762, USA.
Adolescence
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Young adults who smoke are more likely to experience depression. Parental smoking, older age, and feelings of helplessness and isolation are linked to smoking and intentions to smoke in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Existing literature indicates a bidirectional relationship between smoking and depression.
- Understanding the factors influencing this relationship is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the strength of the association between smoking, depression, and intention to smoke.
- To identify psychosocial and environmental factors influencing smoking behavior in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 98 high school and college students aged 16-19.
- Participants completed the Multiscore Depression Inventory (MDI) and questionnaires on smoking behavior and psychosocial/environmental factors.
- Data were analyzed using correlation, stepwise regression, and discriminant analyses.
Main Results:
- Parental smoking, older age, and MDI scores indicating instrumental helplessness and social isolation/withdrawal were associated with current smoking.
- Intention to smoke was linked to instrumental helplessness, older age, parental smoking, social introversion, and residing with a guardian.
- Duration of smoking was associated with parental smoking and instrumental helplessness.
- Higher depression levels (MDI scores) were correlated with lower grades and parental smoking.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent smoking is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, familial, and social factors.
- Depression, particularly instrumental helplessness and social isolation, is strongly linked to smoking behavior and intentions.
- Parental smoking behavior emerges as a significant predictor across multiple smoking-related outcomes.