Lighting up - Young adults' autobiographical accounts of their first smoking experiences

    Authors

    D. E. Delorme; P. J. Kreshel;L. N. Reid

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Youth Soc.

    Keywords

    cigarettes; smoking; youth; CIGARETTE-SMOKING; ADOLESCENTS; INITIATION; BEHAVIOR; ONSET; PREDICTORS; CHILDREN; Social Issues; Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary; Sociology

    Abstract

    In this study, the authors explored young adults' autobiographical memories of their first consumption experiences with cigarettes using a form of life history. We collected and analyzed 2 76 first-person essays to discover the significance of conditions and factors associated with the first act of smoking. For the study's participants, the first-use experience was a symbolically significant and enduring life event. Participants were able to provide rich and detailed recollections about the contextual nature of the first smoking act and the influences and outcomes associated with the event. Suggestions for the development of intervention communication programs are offered as well as recommendations for future research.

    Journal Title

    Youth & Society

    Volume

    34

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2003

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    468

    Last Page

    496

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000182733500004

    ISSN

    0044-118X

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