PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF DIFFERENT STAGES OF CIGARETTE-SMOKING AMONG HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS

Background. Current research on the etiology of cigarette smoking has largely focused on the identification of psychosocial predictors of to bacco onset. Few data are available on the predictors of different sta ges of smoking among adolescents. The present study examines the psych osocial predictors of different stages of smoking, including trial, ex perimental, and regular use, among high school students. Method. The p redictor variables were measured when the students were in the 7th gra de. Logistic regression was used to predict different smoking stages a t grade 12. Results. The results show that four domains of psychosocia l variables, including social and interpersonal factors, attitudinal a nd belief factors, intrapersonal factors, and use of other substances, predicted one or more stages of smoking. The important correlates of transition from trial to experimental use (all P value <0.001) include d friends' smoking and approval, cigarette offers by friends, smoking intentions, school grade, and alcohol and marijuana use. The significa nt predictors of the transition from experimental to regular use inclu ded only parental smoking (P < 0.01) and family conflicts (P < 0.05). We found some gender differences in these predictors. Conclusions. Psy chosocial predictors may differ by different stages of smoking. (C) 19 98 American Medical Association.