Abstract
This pilot study explored the adaptation of the Physical Causes of Illness Categories (PCI) to reasoning about smoking among 16 children aged 10 to 16 years. After obtaining appropriate consents and assents, two nurse researchers conducted 45-minute audio-taped interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for applicability of responses to the PCI. Differences in reasoning about smoking can be identified between older children and adolescents. Differences are consistent with progression of reasoning based on Piaget's theory embedded in the PCI. Findings of this pilot support further inquiry into the reasoning of children about smoking and addictive behaviors