Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the biopsychosocial factors that
influence youth smoking behavior. Sixty-four high school students completed surveys
for one phase of the study. Thirty-six other students participated in an interview phase,
which in addition to questions on the influence of biopsychosocial factors, included
questions pertaining to perceptions of other smokers and recommendations for school
programming around youth smoking. Analysis of the data indicated that a combination
of biological, psychological and social factors influence youth smoking behavior across
smoking classifications (current smokers, ex-smokers and nonsmokers) and across gender
although this was less apparent. Student perceptions of other smokers tended to focus on
the notion that smoking is a personal choice as well as on the reality of smoking’s
negative health effects. Student’s recommendations for schools centered on the
following themes: real life examples, prevention, and support during the quitting process.
The author also provides recommendations.
