Developmental Changes in Attitudes toward Cigarette Smokers during Early Adolescence

Abstract

Attitudes of 104 sixth, 137 seventh, and 110 eighth graders concerning the social image of cigarette smoking were examined to identify potential developmental differences. Significant differences were found between the attitudes of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders; sixth graders had the least positive attitudes and the eighth graders the most positive attitudes. A significant interaction of sex × grade was also evident; the sixth grade boys had the least favorable attitudes toward smokers. No significant differences were evident between students who had friends who smoke and those who did not. These findings suggest that, in addition to the many other developmental changes occurring during early adolescence, there is a shift toward a more positive social image of cigarette smoking that is unrelated to the smoking status of friends.