Adolescent smoking intentions: gender differences in peer context

Adolescence. 1992 Spring;27(105):87-105.

Abstract

Despite widespread interest in adolescent smoking behavior, little research has been directed to the social dynamics of adolescent smoking. In this paper, smoking intentions and peer group influences among a sample of 1,689 Grade 8 students from southern Ontario were analyzed to ascertain possible gender-specific correlates in adolescent smoking intentions. The peer environment was found to be a crucial factor in adolescent smoking behavior. Particularly striking for adolescent girls was the firmness of their expressed intentions to continue to smoke quite early in their smoking lives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Surveys and Questionnaires