Relationship Between Self‐Esteem and Smoking Behavior Among Japanese Early Adolescents: Initial Results from a Three‐Year Study

Abstract

Researchers examined the relationship between self-esteem and smoking behavior among Japanese elementary and junior high school students. Students (2,090) in fourth to ninth grade from three elementary schools and two junior high schools in the Hyogo and Niigata prefectures completed an anonymous questionnaire. Self-esteem was measured using the Harter Perceived Competence Scale, the Pope Self-Esteem Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results indicated that never smokers had higher cognitive, family, and global self-esteem, but lower physical self-esteem than ever smokers. Grade and gender were significantly associated with self-esteem, showing a decrease of self-esteem with increases in grade and a higher level of self-esteem among boys than girls. The results suggest that effective smoking prevention programs for Japanese early adolescents should be integrated into more comprehensive health education or health promotion programs including self-esteem enhancement training.

Effects of Self-Concept Levels and Perceived Academic Achievements of Turkish Students on Smoking Perceptions

“…Examining the literature, it is observed in many studies that adolescents with a negative self-concept perception have a greater frequency of smoking compared to adolescents with a positive self-concept perception (Bonaguro and Bonaguro, 1987;Kawabata et al, 1999;Yorulmaz et al, 2002;Snow and Bruce, 2003;Smith et al, 2004;Wild et al, 2004;Babington and Kelley, 2009;Kavas 2009). In the publication of "Smoking and 10 Facts" of 2010, the World Health Organization emphasizes that the most important third factor affecting smoking is the self-concept and self-respect.…”

The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem: The Effects of Social Support and Subjective Well-Being on Adolescents’ Risky Behaviors

“…An explanation for this is that it is possible that researchers have used different operational definitions of self-esteem. According to Kawabata, Cross, Nishioka, and Shimai (1999), it might be beneficial to replace the onedimensional measure of global self-esteem used in most studies with a more specific, multidimensional measure. Harter (1998) posited that addressing specific domains or components of self-esteem appear to be more successful and the exploration of possible differential relationships between adolescent risk behaviors and different domains of self-esteem is important.…”

Can 4-H/FCS Curricula and Program Activities Increase Self-Esteem in At-Risk Youth Ages 8-15?

“…Several researchers have reported relationships between low self-esteem and negative or risky behavior in some youth. Kawabata and others (1999), in a study on self-esteem and smoking (risky) behavior among elementary and junior high school students, found a relationship between the two variables. Low self-esteem has been shown to be closely associated with various forms of crime and violent behaviors, and programs that foster self-esteem can contribute to reduced violence (Reasoner, 1994).…”