The ABCs of adolescent smoking prevention: an environment and skills model

Smoking prevention programs vary dramatically in terms of the primary focus of the interventions. Most current programs are based on a Social Pressures Model of smoking acquisition which focuses on antecedents and specific behavioral aspects of smoking. Based on social skills and operant behavioral perspectives, an Environment and Skills Model of smoking acquisition and prevention is proposed. This model involves an integrated examination of the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences of smoking. The importance of the "consequence end" of this three-term contingency is discussed as is the differential effectiveness of prevention strategies and suggestions for future research.