Learning Objectives: Recognize stress as an important factor in tobacco cessation and teenage smokers.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: In contrast to the main thrust of tobacco research and policy that is aimed at understanding and preventing the onset of smoking among teenagers, the focus of this study is to better understand the process young people experience as they attempt to stop cigarette smoking. Specifically, this presentation will focus on the difficulties teenagers encounter when they try to quit smoking.
Methods:Data were obtained from six focus groups and 46 individual interviews with 16-18 year old, high school students residing in New York City. The sample consisted of current and ex-smokers of cigarettes who had smoked one hundred or more cigarettes during their lifetime. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using a coding scheme (e.g. stress, methods of quitting, and social support).
Results:Findings show that tobacco cessation is difficult for teenagers because they have to make a variety of significant social behavior changes as they try to quit smoking. In addition, teenagers also experience stress associated with the quitting process itself. For example, young people struggled with the social isolation associated with not being able to socialize with friends who smoked and with having to avoid favorite places where smoking is prevalent ( e.g. parks, pool halls, and parties).
Conclusions:Consequently, stress serves as a major barrier to tobacco cessation among this sample. These findings will assist researchers and practitioners in (1) gaining a more in-depth understanding of stress as a significant barrier to tobacco cessation for teenagers and (2) designing effective smoking cessation programs for young people.
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Back to The 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health (December 10-12, 2003)