Smoking Attributions and Adolescents' Intention to try to Quit Smoking

Abstract

The present study investigated the applicability among adolescents of self-attributions about smoking previously identified among adults. Further, the interplay between motivational and ability related factors in predicting adolescents' intention to try to quit smoking was investigated. Data were collected by questionnaire and included 290 smokers. The measures included self-attributions about smoking, perceived addiction, perceived health threat of smoking, previous quit attempts, confidence in the ability to quit and intention to try to quit smoking. A three dimensional structure of the self-attributional items was extracted; external attributions, using smoking as a coping mechanism, and health concern. In a multiple regression analysis, 34% of the variance in intention to quit smoking was explained. The effect from previous quit attempts, perceived addiction, and using smoking as a coping mechanism was mediated through the other cognitive variables. Concern about health consequences had strongest effect on intention to quit, indicating the relevance of focusing on health information also among adolescents.

Key Words:

• Adolescents
• smoking
• self-attributions