Predicting Cigarette Consumption Based on Identity Styles in Adolescents Aged 13 to 19 in Tehran

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of identity styles in adolescents’ attitudes toward cigarette smoking in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: The research adopted a descriptive-correlational design with an applied purpose. The statistical population included all lower and upper secondary school students in District 19 of Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. Using single-stage cluster sampling and Cochran’s formula, a sample of 380 adolescents was selected. Data were collected using Berzonsky’s Identity Style Inventory and the Attitude Toward Cigarette Smoking Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted via SPSS-26 using Pearson correlation and multiple regression tests.

Findings: The results showed that informational, normative, and commitment identity styles were significantly and negatively correlated with smoking attitudes, while the diffuse-avoidant style had a significant positive correlation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that identity styles significantly explained 12.1% of the variance in smoking attitudes (R²=0.121, p<0.001). The standardized beta coefficients were significant for informational (β=-0.203), normative (β=-0.114), diffuse-avoidant (β=0.112), and commitment (β=-0.164) styles.

Conclusion: Identity styles play a crucial role in shaping adolescents’ attitudes toward cigarette smoking and may act as protective or risk-enhancing factors. The findings offer valuable insights for designing educational and counseling interventions to prevent smoking in adolescence.