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Adolescents' reasons for smoking
I G Sarason1, E S Mankowski, A V Peterson
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, Seattle, WA 98104-2092.
The Journal of School Health
|May 11, 1992
Summary
Adolescents smoke due to curiosity and social factors when starting, but pleasure and addiction drive current smoking. Gender influences these motivations, highlighting the need for tailored smoking prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding motivations for smoking is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons adolescents cite for initiating and continuing smoking behavior.
- To identify gender-specific differences in smoking motivations among adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 1,615 10th-grade students in Washington state.
- Data collected on reasons for first smoking and current smoking.
- Analysis of gender differences in reported motivations.
Main Results:
- Curiosity, social norms, and peer pressure were primary reasons for initiating smoking.
- Pleasure and addiction were the most common reasons for current smoking.
- Females cited social norms/pressure for initiation and pleasure for current smoking more than males.
Conclusions:
- Smoking prevention interventions must address both initiation and maintenance factors.
- Tailoring programs to account for gendered motivations can enhance effectiveness.
- Understanding the evolving reasons for smoking is key to reducing adolescent tobacco use.