Family and peer influences on smoking behavior among American adolescents: An age trend

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
James M. Eddy, Department Head and Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Purpose: To study the age trend of family and peer influence on adolescent smoking behavior using a national sample. Methods: Adolescents (N = 6,900), ages 14 through 18 years, from the 1988-89 Teenage Attitudes and Practices Survey, were selected for analyses. Data collected included measures for smoking status of the adolescent and their family and peers. Results: Peer influence, such as the smoking status of best male/female friends, proved to be the most significant and consistent predictor across all ages, while parental influence had little effect on adolescent smoking status. Gender-specific effects were noted in the peer influence of adolescent smoking. Conclusions: The peer influence on adolescent smoking, across ages 14 through 18 years, confirmed previous literature. However, no differential effect of family and peer influence on adolescent smoking was evident.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Adolescent Health, 16, 3, 200-203
Language: English
Date: 1995
Keywords
Adolescent tobacco use, Parental influence of smoking, Peer influence of smoking, Family and peer influence of smoking

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