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Psychological differences between adolescent smoking intenders and nonintenders
The Journal of Psychology
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Adolescent males’ personality traits significantly predict adult cigarette smoking intentions. Non-smokers exhibit higher self-confidence, intelligence, and conservatism compared to those intending to smoke.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents.
- Understanding the psychological predictors of smoking intention is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Previous research indicates potential links between personality and smoking behavior, but further differentiation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how personality measures differentiate between adolescent males intending to smoke as adults and those not intending to smoke.
- To identify specific personality traits associated with smoking intention in a male adolescent population.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 335 American adolescent males was assessed.
- Personality dimensions were measured using the 16PF Questionnaire.
- Global self-concept was assessed with Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale.
- Smoking intention was measured using a strategy based on Fishbein and Ajzen's theory.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed significant differences in psychological indices between the two groups.
- Multiple discriminant analysis identified seven personality variables distinguishing smoking intenders from non-intenders.
- Non-intenders were characterized as more self-confident, moralistic, intelligent, conservative, tender-minded, group-oriented, and reserved.
- Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed intenders were less stable, intelligent, moralistic, self-confident, and controlled, and more apprehensive, liberal, self-sufficient, and tense.
Conclusions:
- Specific personality traits significantly differentiate adolescent males based on their intention to smoke cigarettes as adults.
- Traits such as self-confidence, intelligence, and conservatism appear protective against smoking intention.
- Understanding these personality correlates can inform targeted interventions for smoking prevention in adolescents.
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