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The false consensus effect: predicting adolescents' tobacco use from normative expectations.
G J Botvin1, E M Botvin, E Baker
1Laboratory of Health Behavior Research, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY 10021.
Psychological Reports
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Adolescents who perceived more adults and peers smoking were more likely to smoke cigarettes. These normative expectations about smoking influence adolescent smoking initiation.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing smoking initiation is crucial for prevention.
- Normative perceptions, or beliefs about what is common, may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between perceived smoking prevalence among adults and peers and adolescent cigarette smoking.
- To investigate this relationship longitudinally from Grade 7 to Grade 9.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study surveyed 916 adolescents in Grade 7 and Grade 9.
- Questionnaires assessed perceived smoking prevalence of adults and peers.
- Self-reported cigarette smoking involvement was measured.
Main Results:
- Perceived smoking prevalence of both adults and peers was significantly associated with adolescent smoking cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
- Adolescents perceiving higher smoking prevalence (≥50%) showed greater smoking involvement.
- Adolescents perceiving lower smoking prevalence (<50%) showed least smoking involvement.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent normative expectations regarding smoking prevalence are important determinants of smoking initiation.
- Interventions targeting misperceptions of smoking prevalence may help reduce adolescent smoking.
- Social norms surrounding smoking significantly impact adolescent behavior.