Original Article / Orijinal Araflt›rma

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The Relationship of Self-Concept and Smoking Behavior in Adolescents Ergenlerde Sigara ‹çme Davran›fl› ve Özkavram›n ‹liflkisi Fevziye TOROS, Cengiz ÖZGE*, ERS‹N BAYRAMKAYA**, Handan ANKARALI***, Meryem Özlem KÜTÜK Mersin Üniversitesi T›p Fakültesi Çocuk Psikiyatrisi ve *Gö¤üs Hastal›klar› Anabilim Dal›, Mersin **Bilkent Üniversitesi Psikoloji Bölümü, ‹stanbul ***Karaelmas Üniversitesi, T›p Fakültesi Biyoistatistik Anabilim Dal›, Zonguldak, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Objective: The main purpose of the study was to explore the effect of subscale analysis of self-concept as a rare investigated concept in the subject of cigarette smoking in adolescents (ranging from 8th to 11th grades). We also aimed to reveal the factors affecting smoking behavior and identify a possible correlation between smoking behavior and self-concept. Methods: Multi-step, stratified, cluster sampling were used to determine the study group. A stratified sample of 3352 adolescents was randomly selected and data was obtained. Apair of structured questionnaires was designed to evaluate the presence of smoking and the level of self-esteem in adolescents. The Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale (PHSC) was used to assess adolescent self-concept. Subscale analysis was made in the six basic areas of self-concept and the required statistical analysis was carried out. Results: We showed that 16.1% of adolescents are current smokers with a male predominance. The subscales, except for physical appearance, and attributes subscales were significantly lower in current smokers compared to non smokers. In addition, there were positive correlations between current smokers and anxiety (r=.167, p