Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper presents an exploratory investigation into the development of a new typology of smoking status based on an individual’s self-identified smoking status and their actual smoking behavior. We identified a unique segment of cigarette consumers, “Phantom Smokers” who do not view themselves as smokers, but still report smoking cigarettes. Using a sample of approximately 1,500 college students, this study empirically examines the concept of phantom smokers and captures their profile. About 16% of the respondents appeared to be phantom smokers and reported that they are not smokers even if they purchase cigarettes for themselves to smoke. The respondents in the phantom smoker group showed distinctiveness in the middle between smokers and nonsmokers along the continuum of attitudes toward smokers and smoking consequences. In addition, the phantom smoker group reported a smaller percentage of social circle who smoke than the respondents in the smoker group did but more than the respondents in the smoker group did. Finally, the practical implications of this new typology for antismoking message development are discussed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The operationalization of social influence in the theory of planned behavior is very limited. Only the perception is measured whether important others would approve or disapprove it if a person performs a certain behavior. However, more types of social influence can be discerned and it is hypothesized that the conceptualization of the social factor should be broadened. A typology of social influences on smoking cessation is outlined and is tested on 2,703 Dutch smokers. This study shows that several social factors influence the intention to quit smoking. These effects are not completely mediated by the variables of the theory of planned behavior. The consequences for health campaign strategies are described. Most likely, the same holds for other behaviors as well, but the relative importance of the various social influences varies dependent on the behavior and population under study.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study examines conditions under which antismoking campaigns prevent adolescent ex-smokers’ future smoking, with consideration of multiple risk and counter-risk factors of smoking. Using the 2004 National Tobacco Youth Survey data, analysis of tobit regression models reports that well-known behavioral, attitudinal, and environmental risk factors are indeed significant determinants of adolescent ex-smokers’ intention to smoke. By contrast, there is no main effect of antismoking campaigns on the participants’ intention to smoke. But the antismoking campaigns are effective only for high schoolers who reported higher levels of school training and parental discussion against smoking. The findings suggest that campaigners should consider all levels of antismoking efforts including interpersonal (e.g., school and parents) and mediated (e.g., media campaigns) sources and tailor antismoking programs to fit specific target audiences. Limitations of this study and implications for campaigners are further discussed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Many smoking college students hold ambivalent attitudes toward smoking. Although ambivalence is widely believed to evoke negative affect, research has yet to examine how ambivalence may influence emotional responses to persuasive information. Participants in this study (N = 133 college smokers) completed a survey which included a presentation of novel and credible anti-smoking information. Structural equation modeling analyses showed that pre-exposure ambivalence was positively associated with post-exposure negative emotions. Negative emotions, in turn, were associated with greater perceived message effectiveness. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Research going back to the 1970s has shown that use of marijuana is less likely than other drug use to lead to dependence (Grinspoon and Bakalar 1997; Hall and Pacula 2003; Mack and Joy 2001; Zimmer & Morgan 1997). However, a number of studies have challenged that view in the past decade. Most recently, the published results of two national surveys indicate that dependence on marijuana, as measured by DSM-IV criteria, rose significantly between 1991/1992 and 2001/2002 (Compton et al. 2004). In this paper we raise critical questions about official definitions and methods of measuring marijuana dependence, particularly those of large-scale surveys. We argue that many claims made in such studies are not reflected in the actual experiences of users. We also argue that existing research has yet to recognize the use of marijuana blunts (cigars in which the tobacco filler has been replaced with marijuana). This is important because the nicotine in cigar shells may affect the dependence potential of this method of marijuana use. As support for our arguments we offer qualitative data from interviews with 89 marijuana blunt smokers.