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Peer Influence, Images of Smokers, and Beliefs about Smoking among Preadolescent Nonsmokers
Author(s) -
Tragesser Sarah L.,
AloiseYoung Patricia A.,
Swaim Randall C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
social development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.078
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1467-9507
pISSN - 0961-205X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1467-9507.2006.00343.x
Subject(s) - psychology , harm , perception , peer group , cognition , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , peer influence , social psychology , psychiatry , neuroscience
The purpose of the current study was to test whether perceived peer influence is related to image of a typical smoker, and whether image of a typical smoker is associated with beliefs about the effects of smoking among preadolescent nonsmokers. Two hundred and ninety‐two preadolescents completed a survey indicating their perceptions of the prevalence and encouragement for smoking among peers, image of a typical smoker, beliefs about the social and physical consequences of smoking, and overall harm caused by smoking. Hypotheses were partially supported. Perceived peer influence was related to image of a typical smoker; image of a typical smoker was related only to the beliefs about harm caused by smoking. Results are discussed in terms of the cognitive mechanisms involved in the process of peer influence.