According to a study from the United States, 'The present study examined how adolescents perceive the relationship between smoking and stress and where they learn that smoking cigarettes may be an effective stress-reduction mechanism. Eight focus groups were conducted with low-income African American and European American 14- to 16-year-olds in urban and rural locations, in which they suggested that the primary reasons why they smoked-namely, as a coping mechanism (to calm nerves), for social acceptance, and because of environmental influences.'
'Family issues, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, and school were common stressors. Although participants overwhelmingly believed that people smoke to reduce their stress, a few believed that cigarettes do not actually reduce stress. When asked for examples of smoking in popular media, teens predominantly generated examples of individuals smoking to reduce stress,' wrote M.B. Scales and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: 'Ethnic and gender differences were found among the types of media in which they had seen smoking, their opinions of anti-smoking messages, and the media's perceived influence..'
Scales and colleagues published the results of their research in Health Education & Behavior (Adolescents' Perceptions of Smoking and Stress Reduction. Health Education & Behavior, 2009;36(4):746-758).
For additional information, contact M.B. Scales, 115 Perimeter Center W, Suite 380, Atlanta, GA 30346, USA.
The publisher of the journal Health Education & Behavior can be contacted at: Sage Publications Inc., 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
Keywords: United States, Atlanta, Life Sciences, Behavior, Health & Society.
This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.
