Studies reveal that the majority of adolescents who smoke do want to quit, however, little is known about the experiences of adolescents who try to quit and the factors that may keep them from quitting successfully. The 1994 Institute of Medicine report highlighted the need to identify factors that influence an individual’s vulnerability to tobacco addiction. A growing body of research suggests that negative affective states (i.e. depression, stress, anger) experienced by adolescents may be associated with an increased risk for tobacco use or an impediment to successful cessation. Preliminary examination of an ongoing statewide tobacco awareness and cessation program reveal that among a systematic sample of adolescent participants (n=996), 272 adolescents (27.3%) self-reported negative affect as a reason for smoking and a barrier to cessation. Comparisons of attitudes, smoking behaviors, and intent to quit of those who self-report negative affect and those who do not will be made to determine whether significant differences exist among the two groups. Further study of the relationship between cigarette smoking and negative affect among adolescents may provide needed information about the role negative affect may play in an adolescent’s ability to quit and in addition offer guidance for more effective program development, implementation, and facilitator training.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the number of adolescents that self-report negative affect (ie. stress, depression, anger) as a reason for smoking. 2. Assess whether significant differences in attitudes and smoking behavior exist among those adolescents who self-report negative affect as a reason for smoking and those who do not. 3. Describe the possible implications of negative affect on an adolescent’s ability to quit using tobacco. 4. Discuss possible consequences for program planning, implementation, and outcome measurement.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.