Psychological Predictors of Transition in Different Stages of Cigarette Smoking

Previous studies have suggested that early smoking initiation predicts the duration of smoking, its daily consumption and increased chances of nicotine dependence. The peresent study was an attempt to determine the psychological predictors of transition in different stages of cigarette smoking. A total of 1132 students in 45 school classes were assesed two times, 8 months apart (Age range: 14-19). The subjects filled out a questionaire about cigarrete consumption behavior and predictor variables. 8 menths later they completed a second questionnaire regarding the cigarette consumption. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. Among non-smokers, using alcohol was a predictor of experimenter smoker whereas positive attitude toward smoking predicted regular smoker. Drug abuse and positive attitude toward smoking set out to be strong predictors of transmission from experimenter smoker to regular smoker. Smoking prevention should begin during and before high school period. This study may support interventions that aim at changing high-risk behaviors.