Adolescent attitudes to smoking: their influence on behaviour
International Journal of Health Education
|January 1, 1981
Summary
This study on 6330 children aged 11-12 found that young smokers underestimate health risks and value peer influence. Findings inform health education and anti-smoking strategies for adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent smoking is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing youth smoking behavior is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between gender, smoking behavior, and attitudes in 11-12-year-olds.
- To investigate the influence of family, school, and peers on adolescent smoking.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 6330 boys and girls aged 11-12 years.
- Four attitude scales with high internal consistency were developed and used.
- Statistical analysis explored correlations between smoking behavior and various attitudinal factors.
Main Results:
- Smokers of both genders were more likely to view smoking favorably and underestimate its dangers.
- Adolescent smokers endorsed anti-school values and acknowledged peer pressure.
- Boys who smoked reported less parental concern and more permissiveness; girls' results were novel for a British sample.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent smoking is linked to underestimation of risks, peer influence, and specific family/school attitudes.
- Findings offer insights for targeted health education and anti-smoking strategies for youth.
- Gender differences in parental influence warrant further investigation in smoking prevention.
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