Adolescents' use of tobacco, health locus of control, and self-monitoring

This study examined the association of the traits, health locus of control, and self-monitoring with adolescents' tobacco uptake. Participants were 11 2 rural adolescents (12 to 19 years old, M = 15.3). Of that sample, 33% use d tobacco. Tobacco users were found to score lower on the dimension of Inte rnality and higher on the dimension of Chance, as compared with nonusers of tobacco, indicating a more external Health Locus of Control. In addition, tobacco users were lower self-monitors than were nonusers. These results su ggest that adolescents who use tobacco feel less in control of their lives in relation to nonusers, believe that chance plays a larger role in their h ealth, and believe they may be unable to monitor and adapt their communicat ion to achieve positive outcomes.