This paper is a literature review of research studies to determine if adolescents' personal conceptions of smoking or addiction deter or encourage them to smoke.
Abstract This paper relates that this literature review about adolescentsmoking indicates the complex socio-cultural context in which personal conceptions arise. The author points out that, among the numerous variables affecting these conceptions are race, ethnicity, socio-cultural expectations, gender, peer group and nicotine. The paper summarizes that this literature review reveals that adolescents' conceptions both deter and encourage smoking. The author reports that all the researchers use quantitative methodologies and interpretive paradigms; however, a major limitation, which is common for all these studies, is that they are based on self-reports.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Studies
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Rasmussen-Cruz, Martin & Nuno-Gutierrez's (2006) purpose was to explore tobacco consumption and motives for use among university students. The research question was: why do university health sciences students who are informed about tobacco risks consume tobacco? The design was a basic quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. The method was an online survey of 282 students, aged 15 to 24. The authors used an interpretive paradigm. The results were that conceptions involved motives such as coping with emotional problems, reported by 76 percent."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination on the problem of adolescentsmoking on a global basis. The writer takes the reader on an exploratory journey that outlines the causes of youth smoking and discusses programs that are in place to prevent its occurrence. In addition the writer provides a discussion on the effectiveness of such programs.
From the Paper "In the last several decades the world has discovered the truth about the perils of smoking tobacco. There is little doubt that the habit contributes to lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma and many other disorders. There have been numerous studies conducted on the perils of smoking and the reasons people continue to do it and the conclusion often points to the addiction being acquired in adolescents. Adults know on an intellectual level that they should not smoke, but often times by the time they reach adulthood they have already been smoking for several years. Adolescents know they should not smoke, but they have the disadvantage of believing they are invincible. Smoking in adolescents is not exclusive to America. It is a worldwide problem in which many nations are scrambling to find a solution."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the developmental period for today's adolescents can often be characterized by risky behavior. Today, teenagers will participate in smoking cigarettes, drinking, doing drugs, or having unsafe sex, all of which can carry negative consequences. The writer points out that nearly 80% of today's smokers began smoking before they were 18 years old. Further, the writer notes that smoking is the single largest preventable cause of premature deaths in the United States. With close to 5 million children, out of 70 million living today that will have premature deaths due to smoking, it is of utmost importance to determine their motives. The writer discusses what motivates adolescents to smoke despite the obvious negative health effects. The writer maintains that understanding reasons for smoking can help researchers understand just how much cigarettes impact participants' lives. The writer concludes that research can possibly prove that smoking is indeed addictive, helping end any myths about smoking once and for all.
Outline:
Smoking Beliefs
Smoking Studies - High school
Results - High school
Smoking Studies - College
Results - College
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 2006, the University of Illinois at Chicago conducted an important study on the effects of nicotine, both positive and negative, in young smokers ranging in age from 15 to 18 years old. The legal age in the United States to purchase and use tobacco products is 18. Because of this, all participants were required to have parental consent as well as their own consent to participate in the study. As with any study, there was a control group that consisted of 27 nonsmokers. In order to qualify as one of the 45 smokers, the participants must have smoked at least 4 weeks and have smoked a minimum of 1 cigarette a week, but no more than 5 cigarettes a day. Nonsmokers must never have smoked in their lives.
"To accurately assess the impacts of nicotine and their respective effects on participants, the study used cigarettes of varying amounts of nicotine: a high-yield cigarette or a denicotinized cigarette."
Abstract The paper discusses a research study that measures the effect of emotional intelligence on the success or failure of adolescents to control their addictive behavior of smoking. The paper provides a critical literature review on understanding emotional intelligence and addictive behavior. The paper explains the study results that support the hypothesis that students with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to deal with the stresses in life and therefore have a greater chance for success in smoking cessation programs. The paper discusses how the research shows the importance of developing better programs to help combat stress at school and on the job later in life.
Outline:
Methodology
Integrative Summary and Critique
Critical Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of emotional intelligence on the success of various strategies to prevent smoking in adolescents. A number of methods have been attempted including in-school programs, clinical smoking interventions, increasing tobacco tax, and an anti-smoking media campaign. All of these programs have demonstrated some ability to reduce smoking in adolescents. However, none of them have proven to be 100% effective in stopping adolescent smoking. This study will examine the role of emotional intelligence in the decision to engage, or not engage in smoking behaviors."
Abstract Approaches the issue from two disciplines. Discusses the social sciences concept of motivations for high risk behaviors, gender differences regarding regular smoking, and the role of strong parental support.
From the Paper "Smoking is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, and is common among adolescents. The Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls and Boys carried out in 1997 studied the ..."
Abstract This paper provides a general overview of adolescent substance abuse, including a discussion of some of the more salient societal implications involved. A description of the statistics concerning adolescent substance abuse and its incidence among various groups is followed by a discussion of social identity theory, group affiliation and their respective influence on adolescent substance abuse patterns. An analysis of some of the more common types of substances typically abused by American adolescents today is also followed by a discussion of the various factors that have been shown to contribute to adolescent substance abuse behaviors and place these young people at higher risk of becoming substances abusers, as well as some behaviors that have been shown to mediate such risk.
Outline:
Introduction
General Overview
Societal Implications
Statistics/Incidence of Adolescent Substance Abuse
Social Identity Theory, Group Affiliation and Their Influence on Adolescent Substance Abuse
Types of Substances Typically Abused by Adolescents Factors Contributing to Adolescent Substance Abuse Behaviors
Summary
From the Paper "Calculating the precise incidence of substance abuse among adolescence has been complicated by the fact that some minority groups appear to be specifically targeted for such testing when they present for emergency treatment at many American hospitals today. For example, the results of an analysis of data collected on adolescents (aged 12 through 17 years) from the National Trauma Data Bank to identify the incidence of alcohol and drug testing in adolescents admitted for traumatic injury by Marcin and his colleagues (2003) found significant differences in the likelihood of alcohol and drug testing being ordered by the treating clinicians for different racial, ethnic, and gender groups which demonstrated an increased likelihood of Hispanic males and African American females to receive alcohol testing, but did not identify any systematic attempt at racial bias; this study, though, did determine that females of all races were less likely than males to test positive for alcohol and drugs (Marcin et al., 2003). "
This paper discusses, in the form of a memo, the initiation of a company-wide smoking ban by presenting background material and an outline for each department to prepare for this ban.
Abstract This paper notifies all employees of the company that, beginning one month from today, the company will follow the guide-lines of federal and state requirements and institute a ban on smoking in the company buildings. The author stresses that the idea of a smoke-free environment is not only to encourage those employees who smoke to quit but also to protect the non-smokers from being affected by second-hand smoke, scientifically called Environmental Tobacco Smoke- ETS, which can do as much damage to persons nearby a smoker as if they themselves were smoking. The paper includes discussion points for each department about this No-Smoking rule including, although the company is offering financial assistance for a "Stop Smoking" course to encouraged stop smoking anywhere, designating a "Smoking Area" outside the building .
From the Paper "It is important for all of you to realize that this was not a sudden, hap-hazard decision, but the statistics were so overwhelmingly negative that we felt we had to do something to protect all our employees and to guarantee them, at least while on the job, a smoke-free environment. Later in this memo, we will explain some of the potential "solutions" to the smoking problem, but, as you will see, they simply did not solve that second-hand smoke situation. But, let me begin by a little background that alerted us to the dangers of second hand smoke."
Abstract This paper discusses the claim that smoking should not be allowed in public places. The problem of second-hand smoking as a result of smoking in public, is raised. The hazards of second-hand smoke are presented in the paper. The issue is addressed from a legislative point of view as well as from the business/company perspective. The paper provides a number of reasons why a company should endeavor to prevent smoking within its boundaries. The media's influence on public awareness of smoking and passive smoking hazards is examined.
From the Paper "Smoking should not be allowed in public places. This is based primarily on the fact that second-hand smoke is a health hazard, but it can also be argued that allowing people to smoke in public only perpetuates the habit and encourages others to take it up, thus adding to the health hazard in the long run. The private sector is already addressing the issue on a case-by-case basis, banning smoking in the workplace in many companies. Those who believe there is a problem may create a smoke-free area for customers or workers, or workers can demand that their place of business be entirely smoke free. Still, the government should take further action to protect the public where companies do not, including in shopping areas, workplaces, theaters, restaurants, and anywhere the public gathers. Allowing smoking on the street in fact encourages smoking, and discouraging smoking should be a primary effort for the public and private sectors to reduce the health costs paid by both."
Abstract In this essay the writer points out that statistics show that second-hand smoke is harmful to children. The writer also notes that few parents realize that when they smoke, their children are also smoking. It is important to look at the definition of second-hand smoke, the statistics about second-hand smoke, and specifically the health risks involved in children who inhale second-hand smoke. The writer maintains that parents should not smoke around their children because it endangers their children's health.
From the Paper "Why is the government so worried about smoking? Should smokers not have the freedom to smoke wherever they want? Why are they putting bans on smoking in public places? The answers is due to the facts and statistics that show that cigarette smoking is harmful to a person's health and even second-hand smoke is harmful to those who breathe it. Statistics show that second-hand smoke is harmful to children. Few parents realize that when they smoke, their children are also smoking. It is important to look at the definition of second-hand smoke, the statistics about second-hand smoke, and specifically the health risks involved in children who inhale second-hand smoke."
Abstract The paper explains the position of proponents of anti-smoking legislation who believe that nonsmokers have a right not to be exposed involuntarily to second-hand tobacco smoke in public. The paper then considers the view of those who work in the food and drink service industry, because they are exposed to second-hand smoke continually, as well as the perspective of the health issues regarding minor children inhaling second-hand smoke. The paper offers counter-arguments that highlight how ultimately, the issue boils down to how much governmental regulation is appropriate in a free society. The paper contends that in a culture than permits other equally dangerous involuntary exposures, smoking bans violate the principle of freedom and autonomous choice.
Outline:
Introduction
The Argument For and Against Smoking Bans
From the Paper "Five years ago, New York City became the first large American city to enact anti-smoking ordinances in restaurants and bars. Since then, anti-smoking legislation has spread to many other American and European cities alike. In 2006, a New York City civil court judge ruled that second-hand smoke between apartments violates the implied warranty of habitability of nonsmokers and several dozen residential buildings in the city have prohibited smoking anywhere inside their buildings, including inside private apartments. (O'Neill & Light 2008)"
Abstract The following paper discusses the abundance of medical and scientific evidence in support of the damage caused by Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), or second-hand smoke. This paper proposes that, there is now sufficient medical evidence to support a legal ban of smoking in public places.
From the Paper "One of the major functions of our country's legislation is to protect all Americans from being injured or killed as a result of the irresponsible and illegal behavior of others. There are specific laws in place to protect us from someone who drives recklessly or under the influence of alcohol and there are laws designed to shield us from those who may wish to harm us with violence."
Abstract Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death. Men who smoke are most at risk of death from lung cancer. The author argues that smokers are in great danger of dangerous health effects from smoking and discusses the various impacts caused by smoking.
From the Paper 'Causing more than 400,000 deaths each year, tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Additionally, the direct medical costs amount more than $50 billion per year. More people are harmed and killed by smoking every year than they die of alcohol, drug abuse, AIDS, murders, car crashes, fires, and suicides. Nationally, more than 5 million years of potential life are lost each year as a result of smoking. Every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers. Approximately 80% of adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18. Furthermore, approximately five million children presently living will die prematurely because of the decision to smoke cigarettes at adolescence."
Abstract The smoking of cigarettes is a huge problem throughout our society. The leading causes of preventable death result from smoking. The purpose of this discussion is to explain why smoking cessation programs should be sponsored by the government. It attempts to understand why the smoking habit is so difficult to conquer. In addition, the writer discusses the cessation programs that already exist and the ways in which they benefit smokers. It also explains why many smokers cannot afford a cessation program and need government assistance.
From the Paper "The teens featured in this article admit that there is a great deal of peer pressure associated with smoking. In addition, the nicotine found in smoke is highly addictive and it is the main reason why it is so difficult for teens and adults to quit once they have a habit. The article goes on to explain that through the Centers for Disease Control the government has spent a great deal of money attempting to keep teenagers from ever developing this habit."
Abstract This paper explains the effects of smoking cigarettes and tobacco especially the addictive quality of nicotine, physically and psychologically. The author points out health concerns of smoking and passive (second-hand) smoke. The paper relates the effect of smoking on the fetus and young people.
From the Paper "The effects of smoking tobacco are irreversible and may cause severe health conditions. In spite of this, individuals addicted to tobacco and smoking often cannot or will not stop smoking because the nicotine in tobacco smoke is so addictive both physically and psychologically. Being addicted does not mean that individuals cannot stop smoking but that it will be as difficult as with hard drugs. Nicotine is as highly addictive as heroin and cocaine. Like those drugs, a smoking addiction is marked by an uncontrollable dependence ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer claims that smoking can be shown to conclusively have a negative impact on both the smoker and the nonsmoker, and it is likely that the nonsmoker might suffer the greater sum of damage. Further the writer notes that when it is identified that the nonsmoker is a passive participant in the act of smoking, meaning that they have intentionally chosen to not smoke, this means that the act of smoking can turn them into victims.
From the Paper "While it is frequently argued that freedom of personal responsibility means that smokers can engage in their habit where they so please, the legislation of smoking habits is not done to infringe upon the freedom of the smoker but is instead directed to ensure the continued health of the non-smoker. Within the United States, personal liberties are not extended to cover the behaviors of those who engage in actions, practices, or activities which marginalize the health of others."