This study, aimed to categorize attitude of smoking behaviors among adolescents and to provide useful data for development of anti-smoking programs for students was conducted from February 1 to August 15, 1999, using the Q method.
After reviewing the literature and preceding studies, the researcher proceeded to interview 15 middle and high school students and thereupon, developed a statement form consisting of 34 items. Then, 33 students were sampled. The collected data were coded after having been scaled from "1" to "9", and then, was analyzed using the PC QUANL program. After all, three types of adolescents were identified.
The first type or "negation" type students perceive smoking as bad habit, and therefore, do not admit of smoking. The second type or "self-choice" type students conceive that any one can smoke depending on their judgement, and therefore, admit of other students´ smoking. The third type or "self-perceived refusal" type admit of other students´ smoking, but refuse smoking for themselves.
Lastly, it is believed that the results of this study would be useful for designing anti-smoking health programs for our adolescents. It is also hoped that this study would be followed up by such studies suggested by the data for the development of anti-smoking programs for each category of students.
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