Cigarette smoking was previously identified as a "gateway drug," a predictor of alcohol and other drug use in adolescents. The present study examines the co-occurrence and sequencing of cigarette smoking with binge drinking, use of illegal drugs, carrying guns or other weapons, early and unprotected sexual activity, anti-social behavior, violent behaviors, school absenteeism, gambling, and driving while intoxicated or riding with an intoxicated driver. The data were obtained by aggregating data from 32,000+ adolescents from grades 6 through 12 who participated in 30 separate surveys conducted in Indiana secondary schools during 1999, using the Search Institute Profile of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors survey. We observed that approximately one in five high school students regularly engages in four or more risky behaviors - a "risky behavior syndrome." Depending upon grade, up to 90% of youth with the risky behavior syndrome are daily cigarette smokers, and the syndrome is rare in nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is correlated with increased incidence of experimentation with, as well as frequent participation in, other risky behaviors. We further observed that the onset of daily cigarette smoking occurs prior to the onset of the syndrome. This suggests that cigarette smoking may act as a "gateway behavior" that plays a role in the onset of the risky behavior syndrome in adolescents. At a minimum, cigarette smoking is a marker that can be used to identify adolescents at significant risk of engaging in multiple risky behaviors. Persons working with youth should consider cigarette smoking history when assessing this risk.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. describe the "risky behavior syndrome" in adolescents 2. discuss the relationship among cigarette smoking and other risky behaviors in adolescents 3. apply this information to the development of tobacco control strategies
Keywords: Adolescents, Risk Taking Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Search Institute (Minneapolis) (survey form)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.