Relationship Between Self- Esteem and Smoking Behavior Among Japanese Early Adolescents: Initial Results from a Three-Year Study

Researchers examined the relationship between self-esteem and smoking behavior among Japanese elementary and junior high school students.  Students (2090) in fourth to ninth grade from three elementary schools and two junior high schools in the Hyogo and Nigata prefectures completed an anonymous questionnaire.  Self-esteem was measured using the Harter Perceived Competence Scale, the Pope Self-Esteem Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.  Results indicate that never-smokers had higher cognitive, family and global self-esteem, but lower physical self-esteem than ever-smokers.  Grade and gender were significantly associated with self-esteem, showing a decrease of self-esteem with increases in grade and a higher level of self-esteem among boys than girls.  The results suggest that effective smoking prevention programs for Japanese early adolescents should be integrated into more comprehensive health education or health promotion programs including self-esteem enhancement training.
                                                                        ‘Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Smoking Behavior Among Japanese early Adolescents:
                                                                 Initial Results from a Three-Year Study,” Journal of School Health Source Id: 69(7).280-284, 1999
                                                                                                    Authors: Kawabata, T., Cross, D., Nishioka, N., Shimai, S. 16 Nov. 1999
 

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