Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study applies Jessor and Jessor’s (1977) problem behavior theory to examine factors predicting adolescent smoking behavior. Measures include adolescent smoking and other psychosocial variables including sensation seeking, verbal argumentativeness, verbal aggressiveness, religiosity, peer pressure, peer smoking behavior, parental monitoring, family relationships, delinquent behaviors, and academic performance. Middle school students (N = 260) from two schools in the northeast participated in the study. The results indicate peer smoking behavior, weak family relationships, delinquency, and poor academic performance predict adolescent smoking behavior. Implications of these findings are discussed.