Gender Differences in the Determinants of Smoking

Abstract

The authors analyzed factors affecting tobacco smoking in a national sample. Interaction tests revealed that the social bond of commitment inhibited only male smoking, while the bond of religiousity deterred only female smoking. Age negatively affected smoking only among women, while having been the victim of childhood violence promoted smoking only among men. The findings suggest that anti-smoking campaigns might be more effective if tailored to gender-specific determinants of smoking.