Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117834

Sharla M. Wells-Di Gregorio, PhD¹, Kristen Carl¹, and Laura J. Peterson, BA². (1) Department of Psychology, Denison University, 404D Knapp Hall, Granville, OH 43023, (740) 587-6368, wellss@denison.edu, (2) Stress and Immunity Cancer Projects, The Ohio State University, 167 Townshend Hall, 1885 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210

Body image and stress are predictors of smoking initiation among adolescents. This study evaluated gender differences in predictors of smoking rates (cigs/day) between female (n = 43) and male (n = 29) college smokers. Models were developed to test the potential contribution of two cognitive processes, weight control expectations and negative reinforcement expectations (to escape aversive emotional statues) in predicting smoking behavior. In the Weight Control model, we entered BMI, body satisfaction, and weight control expectations to predict smoking rate. In the Negative Reinforcement model, we entered perceived stress and negative reinforcement expectations. Participants were female (n = 43) and male (n = 29) college students who were predominantly Caucasian (81%), 19 years old, on average, and had been smoking for approximately 4 years. The average number of cigarettes smoked per day was 4 (SD = 5). The Weight Control model was significant for females, but not for males. Body satisfaction (ƒ" = .39, p = .015) and weight control expectations (ƒ" = .38, p = .015) predicted greater smoking rate among females. The Negative Reinforcement model was also significant only for females. For females, negative reinforcement expectations (ƒ" = .38, p = .019) was a significant predictor of smoking rate, but perceived stress was not a significant predictor in the model. Cognitive processes such as weight control and negative reinforcement expectations may increase smoking behavior among college females. Cessation interventions for college females might be improved by incorporating weight and affect management strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify gender differences in predictors of cigarette consumption among college students
• Define negative reinforcement and state how this concept relates to smoking among females
• Discuss strategies to improve smoking cessation interventions for college females

Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.