The concept and study of empowerment has become one of great interest in recent years. This is perhaps largely due to the wide scope of content areas to which empowerment theory can be applied. In recent years, the study of empowerment has been expanded to include the empowerment of youth in a variety of public health, and community contexts. However, there remains a great deal of debate as to the definition of youth empowerment and how it may be effectively measured, particularly within the defined context of tobacco control. Additionally, little published work has been found to speak with youth themselves and use their voice in determining the key experiences that result in empowerment and how the construct of empowerment may be measured. As a part of the Statewide Youth Initiatives against Tobacco, funded by the American Legacy Foundation, states seek to empower youth to speak out against tobacco use and the tobacco manufacturers. This study sought, using a focus group methodology, to talk directly with youth involved in these tobacco control initiatives to gain a better understanding of their perspectives and experiences in the empowerment process. By gaining greater insight into how youth themselves define and experience empowerment within the context of tobacco control, one can more effectively implement and evaluate empowerment programs. These youth perspectives of empowerment and their experiences in tobacco control programs will be presented as well as recommendations for developing empowerment programs for youth to work in tobacco control.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe youth's perspectives of empowerment and the empowerment process. 2. To discuss recommendations for developing empowerment programs for youth to work in tobacco control.
Keywords: Youth, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Research Triangle Institute is one of the partners for the American Legacy Foundation's Coordinating Center for Evaluation and Applied Research.