Craving for cigarette smoking among male adolescents in Isfahan based on mindfulness and emotional self-regulation

Abstract

Cigarette smoking among adolescents and its consequences are categorized as serious health problems. Cigarette craving is influenced by various psycho-social factors. This study aimed to investigate desire and intention to smoke based on mindfulness and emotional self-regulation in adolescents. In this correlational study conducted based on structural equation modeling, a sample of 350 male students was randomly selected from different schools of education districts in Isfahan. Three questionnaires, including Hooked on Nicotine Checklist, emotional regulation inventory, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were employed. Data were analyzed using χ2, correlation coefficient and structural modeling tests. In this regard, SPSS and AMOS software were used. The results showed that 62 of male students had experienced cigarette smoking at least once. There was a significant inverse correlation between cigarette craving and emotional reappraisal (r =-0.48), expressive suppression (r =-0.58) and mindfulness (r =-0.55), respectively (p < 0.01). In addition to the direct effect, mindfulness through emotional self-regulation had indirect effects on nicotine craving. A total of 58 of the variance in nicotine craving was explained by the study variables. The results showed that the high percentage of male students hooked on smoking is an important issue. In this regard, students' psychological issues such as efficient mechanisms of emotional regulation and their knowledge of the risks of smoking must be addressed by authorities and families. © 2018 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.