The impact of self-control indices on peer smoking and adolescent smoking progression

Objective To determine the direct impact of self-control variables on baseline smoking and smoking progression and determine whether self-control had indirect effects on smoking practices through effects on peer smoking. Methods Study participants were 918 adolescents who were followed from 9th through the 12th grade and completed self-report measures of peer smoking, self-control, and cigarette smoking. An exploratory factor analysis ( EFA) was conducted to assess the factor structure of a 41-item self-control measure. The EFA indicated a six-factor structure comprising of impulsive control, planning, hostile blaming, attentional disregulation, conscientiousness, and physical aggression. Results The results of a latent growth model indicated that conscientiousness ( OR = 0.81, CI = 0.73-0.90), hostile blaming ( OR = 0.89, CI = 0.81-0.99), and physical aggression ( OR = 1.16, CI = 1.06-1.27) had direct effects on baseline smoking, whereas planning ( OR = 0.90, CI = 0.82-0.99) and impulse control ( OR = 1.15, CI = 1.02-1.28) had indirect effects on adolescent smoking at baseline through baseline peer smoking. There were no significant direct or indirect effects of the self-control indices on smoking progression. There was a direct effect of peer smoking progression ( number of peers who smoked) on adolescent smoking progression, such that increases in the number of peers who smoked across time increased the odds that an adolescent would progress to a higher level of smoking. Conclusions Youth smoking prevention and intervention program outcomes may potentially improve by addressing self-control behaviors as they appear to have direct effects on smoking and indirect effects through peers who smoke.