NCJ Number
117964
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 19 Issue: 7 Dated: (1989) Pages: 559-583
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This evaluation tested the effectiveness of a three-session smoking prevention program based on a cognitive-developmental stage model pilot-tested with 315 sixth through eighth graders in an urban public school.
Abstract
A media component focusing on experiences associated with different stages of smoking was followed by a structural discussion that linked cognition about symptoms with skills to resist influences to smoke. The control group viewed three commonly used smoking prevention films, made written comments on the films, and participated in an unstructured discussion. Students exposed to the experimental program showed superior gains in accurate interpretations of symptoms, adaptation to symptoms, and addiction. Significantly fewer students exposed to the experimental program made the transition from a first try to occasional or regular smoking at an 18-month followup. Change in understanding of symptoms mediated treatment effects. Obtaining these results with only a three-session program, using an active treatment control, a within-school design, and a racially balanced urban population supports the inclusion of a cognitive-developmental component in smoking prevention. 4 tables, 32 references. (Author abstract modified)