PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF ADOLESCENT SMOKING IN RESPONSE TO STRESS

This study examined the relationship between adolescent smoking under stress, psychological distress, and social support. Sophomore and juni or high school students, N=1,168, completed Derogatis' Brief Symptom I nventory, Spielberger's Anger Expression Scale, and revised version of Coppel's Index of Social Support. White students were more likely to engage in stress-related smoking than were black students (OR 5.74, 95 % C.I. [4.00, 8.24]), as were adolescents with higher psychological di stress and lower social-support scores. Adolescent smoking prevention and cessation programs should consider incorporating behavioral strate gies aimed at coping with psychological distress and strengthening soc ial support as students may smoke in response to stress.