Social Image Factors as Motivators of Smoking Initiation in Early and Middle Adolescence

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Abstract
The social image of the smoker may be particularly important for the process of adolescent smoking initiation. The social image of cigarette smoking among early and middle nonsmoking adolescents was assessed. It was determined whether social image motivated smoking initiation. Based on considerations of self-esteem and susceptibility to social influence, social image factors were predicted to be related to intentions to smoke more for early adolescents and for girls. The social image of both male and female smokers was an ambivalent one for both early and middle adolescents. Smoking models were rated as having many undesirable qualities, but also several social assets. Regarding the relationship of the social image to smoking intentions, early adolescent girls had intentions that were best predicted by the perceived negative qualities of smoking. For middle adolescents, smoking intentions were related to the positive social assets of smoking, especially interest in the opposite sex. Prevention strategies for early adolescent girls apparently focus on the negative results of smoking. Strategies for middle adolescents should either attack the positive image of the smoker or provide alternative means of self-image improvement.

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