Category: Smoking

Smoking is one of the most common negative habits that people indulge in. Many health experts have warned that smoking is unhealthy and dangerous to the human health. This essay will discuss the negative effects of smoking on human beings.

Smoking cigarette is addictive that is why many smokers have difficulties in giving up the habit. Cigarettes are produced of tobacco with a large percent of other additives, which account for the largest number of preventable deaths in the world. People who smoke commonly face different health problems, which are caused by tobacco consumption. Therefore, smoking has negative health consequences for smokers and people who live with them and become passive smokers as a result.

The WHO and other health organisations have sensitised people on the dangers of smoking. There are many health conditions which smokers are likely to suffer from (Pampel 61). Their bodies absorb harmful toxins which cigarettes contain which are dangerous to their health.

Smoking is a major health risk which results in heart attacks, strokes, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. The accumulation of tobacco and other toxins in the respiratory tract of a smoker makes a person suffer from respiratory health conditions.

Smokers, therefore, are likely to incur huge medical bills when they seek for treatment for these diseases. Many governments spend a lot of money on treating smoking related diseases, which increases the cost of healthcare. Pampel argues that smokers can succumb to such illnesses unless they stop smoking (64).

Tobacco consumption causes dental problems which are difficult to reverse. Smokers are likely to have bad breath, stained teeth and smelly gums. Toxic elements, which cigarettes contain, for instance, tar, have dangerous impacts on human health. These substances cause smokers to have poor dents and even lose their teeth (Peate 362).

Smokers are likely to suffer emotionally and psychologically because poor health and unattractive appearance, caused, for example, by stained or broken teeth, make a person lose his/her own self-esteem. Smokers are likely to be shunned by people close to them because of fetid breath, bad body odour and poor outward appearance. Therefore, people need to be made aware of dental and other health problems they are likely to experience as a result of smoking.

Tobacco consumption causes a lot of deaths in developing countries. These countries have weak laws which do not effectively regulate cigarette selling and consumption. Advertisement implicit messages encourage the young to become smokers. Tobacco advertising in many developed countries has been prohibited. However, some third world countries still allow tobacco advertising, which encourages more people to acquire this bad habit.

The images of sophistication, bravery and glamour which are carried by tobacco adverts easily persuade the young to become smokers. Peate reveals that tobacco companies target adolescents and women to increase their sales (363). These people are easily influenced by what they see in the media. People who begin smoking at early age are likely to be addicted for a longer period than those who develop the habit at mature age (Cox).

Smokers are exposed to various carcinogens in cigarettes. These carcinogens cause cancer and negatively affect human health. Lung, throat, brain, bladder, cervical cancer as well as other forms are caused by smoking. The symptoms are often detected at the time when the smokers health condition is already chronic.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death world wide. A significant number of cancer patients have a history of smoking and tobacco consumption (Peate 365). If people get exposed to exhaled smoke, they are likely to be affected by it. They breathe in toxic components of the exhaled smoke that deposit in their lungs and other respiratory organs. These people can suffer from respiratory illnesses as well.

Women, who smoke during pregnancy, are likely to expose their unborn babies to toxic substances contained in cigarettes. The tar that is present in cigarettes is likely to be embedded in the DNA of a mother, who may pass it on to the child in her womb. These toxic components inhibit the normal growth of a baby in the fetus, which results in death and still births. Cox reveals that if the pregnancy proceeds to full term, the delivered child can have severe brain disorders.

Such children are very slow at learning because their cognitive functions are impaired. Female smokers are likely to become infertile or their reproductive abilities are limited. Nicotine restricts the ability of the female reproductive system to generate estrogen. Many physiological and reproductive functions in women depend on estrogen.

Nicotine is a substance found in cigarettes which is very addictive. People who try to give up smoking experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which restrict their ability to function effectively. They are likely to experience several episodes of depression.

This is because their bodies are used to the intake of nicotine and have difficulties in performing its functions without it (Cox). Nicotine stimulates the human mind just like any other drug, which increases the risk of high blood pressure in a smoker. From the above mentioned, it is easy to conclude that smoking has negative effects on peoples health.

Works Cited

Cox, Jack. The Lesser Known Harmful Effects of Smoking. The Register. 2012. Orange Country Register News. Web.

Pampel, Fred C. Tobacco Industry and Smoking. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2009. Print.

Peate, Ian. The Effects of Smoking on the Reproductive Health of Men. British Journal of Nursing 14.7 (2005): 362366. Print.

Educational Session Goals

• Reduce the number of smokers in Mississippi.
• Educate Mississippi citizens about the dangers of smoking to prevent young people from being attracted to it.
• Develop a strategy that will be combating tobacco manufacturers.

The main strategies of the training session are to reduce the number of smokers in Mississippi, conduct a training program on the dangers of smoking and work with tobacco producers.

Overview of the Issue

• The tobacco epidemic is one of the most severe threats to public health that has ever occurred globally. All forms of tobacco use are harmful to health, and there is no harmless dose of tobacco.
• Tobacco is consumed for the effects of its main active ingredient: nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive when it enters the lungs.
• Tobacco combustion products contain other substances that can cause a significant increase in morbidity and mortality.

The most common form of tobacco use in the world is cigarette smoking. Other types of tobacco products include hookah tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, and self-rolled tobacco. Tobacco, in most cases, is smoked primarily in the form of cigarettes. Smoking is the most harmful form of tobacco use. However, all tobacco products contain carcinogens and other toxins; even smokeless tobacco products are not a safe alternative to smoking (American Cancer Society 2020).

Types of Tobacco Products

• A cigarette is a smoking tobacco product consisting of cut raw materials wrapped in cigarette paper;
• Hookah tobacco is a mixture of cut raw materials with or without non-tobacco raw materials and other ingredients;
• Thin-cut smoking tobacco consisting of cut, torn, twisted, or compressed tobacco with or without the addition of non-tobacco raw materials and flavorings;
• Non-smoking tobacco products  tobacco products intended for chewing or sniffing.

Tobacco products are products made entirely or partially from tobacco leaf as raw material, prepared in such a way as to be used for smoking, chewing, or sniffing.

Clinical Manifestations

• Nicotine slightly increases a heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate (Addiction Center 2021).
• When people first use nicotine, nausea often occurs.
• Nicotine reduces appetite and can be a behavioral substitute for eating (Addiction Center 2021).
• Smoking leads to yellow staining of teeth and fingers.
• Other symptoms include smoking-related lung and cardiovascular diseases (Addiction Center 2021).

Smokers may feel a surge of energy and excitement, an increase in the ability to concentrate, a decrease in the degree of tension, as well as a sense of satisfaction. Often there is a chronic cough and shortness of breath during exercise.

Why Do People Smoke?

• Lack of parental control.
• New authorities.
• Nervous overstrain.

Tobacco use is associated with many causes and at different ages. For example, in dysfunctional families where parents do not monitor the child, tobacco use can begin from early childhood. When attentive parents establish a ban on alcohol and tobacco in adolescence, young people may have other authorities. To follow them, they can start to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, including using tobacco in various forms. More adults use tobacco as a cure for stress. Unfortunately, none of the above people think about how much they spoil their bodies and even their appearance. In order to avoid premature death, people need to take care of their health by giving up the bad habit of smoking.

Statistics

• 8 million people die from tobacco use every year worldwide (WHO, 2020).
• In Mississippi, children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places, and 65,000 people die from second-hand smoke each year (WHO, 2020).
• Among Mississippi High School youth, 6.6% reported currently smoking cigarettes (CDC, 2021).

Tobacco is often equated with an epidemic as addiction engulfs an increasing number of people and spreads rapidly. According to the WHO (2020), about 8 million people die from tobacco use every year worldwide, of which 7 million are direct smokers, and 1 million are non-smokers and second-hand smokers. To narrow it down to a contracting state like Mississippi, children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places, and 65,000 people die from second-hand smoke each year (WHO 2020). Mississippi is a state with a low standard of living, partly why tobacco use is quite active here. Moreover, it is not possible to consult a specialist in such countries, and it is complicated for people to get rid of the habit on their own. Among Mississippi High School youth, 6.6% reported currently smoking cigarettes (CDC 2021). These statistics are shocking, but there are ways to prevent deaths and illnesses caused by tobacco use.

Health Promotion Plan

• The development of a sociogram of the problem of tobacco use.
• Summing up all the answers, it is necessary to determine which age group a person belongs to when they started using tobacco and assign it to previously formed groups based on the same characteristics.
• For each group, a list of actions will be formed to help them get rid of smoking.
• For example, people in Mississippi who became addicted to smoking should conduct a course of lectures with illustrative examples of the impact of tobacco smoking on appearance and health and the health of the future generation.
• Provide people with substitute products that will replace their smoking.
• Based on the data of the conducted tests, competent doctors will choose the necessary medications that will have a beneficial effect on getting rid of the smoking habit.
• Smoking cessation can be achieved by interacting with smokers, offering social and therapeutic help to quit smoking (Omare et al. 2020).

First, it is necessary to develop a sociogram of the problem of tobacco use. It includes studying the specific state in which a person lives, their marital status and family relationships, where they work, and what standard of living they consider themselves to be. Then, summing up all the answers, it is necessary to determine which age group a person belongs to when they started using tobacco and assign it to previously formed groups based on the same characteristics. Then, for each group, a list of actions will be formed to help them get rid of smoking. There will also be a list of rehabilitation procedures that will improve the health and condition of people. The basis is taken by the citizens of the state of Mississippi, and naturally, most of them will agree to undergo a survey and take part in a study to get help in getting rid of smoking. The rest of them will be less trusting about the research procedure, but somehow they will assess the benefits that this analysis can bring them. Groups formed by age and reasons for smoking will be offered a treatment and recovery plan. This division will help professionals choose the most suitable programs for groups of people with similar data.

It is necessary to think carefully about the course of teaching lectures on the dangers of smoking, and it should clearly identify the goals (Flanders 2018). In addition, can be offered them a list of activities that will help them get rid of thoughts about smoking. These can be certain sports or entertainment. Several medications can help people get rid of the smoking habit. Counseling and drug therapy are effective individually for the treatment of nicotine addiction, but in combination, their effectiveness increases. Evison et al. (2020) recommended to assess the need for additional medications, such as varenicline and bupropion. Therefore, medical personnel should try to ensure that each patient receives both advisory and medical care. This will help professionals win over people who smoke on their own, and will give these people the understanding that these professionals can be trusted.

Expected Educational Session Outcomes

The expected outcomes of this type of treatment will be:

• a significant reduction in the number of smokers currently;
• a reduction in potential smokers in the future in a particular state.

Treatment of nicotine addiction and tobacco smoking is beneficial for the patient in reducing the risk of death and cost-effectiveness.

A clear division of people based on the test results, qualified doctors and medical staff, correctly formed proposals for treatment and recovery from addiction and smoking will bring positive results. In addition, it will help to influence the younger generation and show them how dangerous and harmful smoking can be.

Healthy People 2030

• Healthy People 2030 aims to increase the number of people who quit smoking from 8.3% to 10.2% (Healthy people 2030 n.d.).
• The strategy developed in this project can help achieve such results, starting with the state of Mississippi.

Naturally, in addition to these strategies, others will be needed, which will be aimed at combating cigarette manufacturers. For example, increasing taxes for tobacco manufacturers so that the high price per unit of product is less affordable for the population and smoking. Moreover, the active promotion of the harm of smoking at public events can also play a role in helping people who need to stop smoking.

Achieved Goals

• Thanks to the developed strategy, the number of people who use tobacco has significantly decreased.
• After the session, a survey was conducted among young Mississippians about whether to spoil their health using tobacco products.
• Working with tobacco producers requires more time, but it will be successful in the future.

Most said they are not going to use tobacco. To improve the plan for getting rid of bad habits, it is necessary to invite lecturers from different States who will talk about the dangers of smoking and talk about how to act to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

One of the most critical problems that harm the human body is smoking. The developed action plan to get rid of Mississippi citizens will positively impact their health and help them get rid of the bad habit of smoking.

People need to get rid of this addiction that can eventually lead to death.

References

Addiction Center (2021). Recognizing nicotine addiction. Web.

American Cancer Society (2020). Harmful chemicals in tobacco products. Web.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Extinguishing thetobacco epidemic in Mississippi. Cdc. Web.

Evison, M., Pearse, C., Howle, F., Baugh, M., Huddart, H., Ashton, E., Rutherford, M., Kearney, C., Elsey, L., Staniforth, D., Hoyle, K., Raja, M., Jerram, J., Regan, D., Booton, R., Britton, J., ORourke, C., Shackley, D., Benbow, L., Crossfield, A., Pilkington, J., Bailey, M. & Preece, R. (2020). Feasibility, uptake and impact of a hospital-wide tobacco addiction treatment pathway: Results from the cure project pilot. Clinical Medicine, 20(2), 196-202. Web.

Flanders, S. A. (2018). Effective patient education: Evidence and common sense. Medsurg Nursing, 27(1), 5558.

Omare, M., Kibet, J., Cherutoi, J. & Kengara, F. (2020). A review of tobacco abuse and its epidemiological consequences. Journal of Public Health: From Theory to Practice. Web.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Healthy People 2030. Web.

World Health Organization. (2020). Tobacco. WHO | World Health Organization. Web.

Project Overview

Few campaigns touch on the rising need to properly get rid of cigarette butts. As a result, most smokers do so in a casual manner that often results in environmental pollution (Lee, Ranney & Goldstein 2013). The proposed campaign will educate smokers on the hazards of disposing of cigarette butts carelessly.

Background Research

Indiscriminate Disposal of Cigarette Butts as a Social Problem

A social problem is one that affects the peaceful interaction and existence of people in society. Careless disposal of cigarette butts is an example of such a problem (King 2011). The practice affects the smoker and other members of society. It is a common practice among smokers to dispose of butts in a haphazard manner. The butts litter roads and parks. The view of such sites is degraded. Butts that are not properly put out also continue to emit fumes that may ruin the comfort of others. In addition, forest fires that are caused by careless cigarette smokers cause environmental pollution.

Addressing the Problem

Little has been done to address the problem (Riutta 2008). Current efforts are in the second stage of social innovation, proposals, and generation of ideas. The prompt stage has been completed since the crisis has been identified. The need for new social innovation has been discussed. An idea to deal with the problem was generated following the proposal to use television advertisements and Facebook to increase awareness about the harmful effects of careless disposal of cigarette butts. However, the idea has not yet been tested.

Critical Factors

There are three critical factors to take into consideration when implementing the ideas proposed in social innovation. They include conditions, causes, and attitudes. Condition refers to the way something exists. When carrying out the campaign, it is important to know what the situation on the ground is to be able to address the root cause of the problem facing the population (Barnes 2011). Causes of the problem also need to be evaluated. In this case, one should highlight some of the reasons why the problem has occurred. Peoples attitudes towards the problem are also important.

Alternative Solutions

There are several approaches that can be used to solve the problem at hand. Due to public demand, cigarette companies have resorted to the manufacture of biodegradable butts (Riutta 2008). As a result, littering is avoided. The move is the first alternative solution. Many governments have banned smoking in public places to reduce pollution. Some states, such as San Diego and Chicago, have already put the policy in place (Barnes 2011). In light of this, legislations can also be used to deal with the problem.

Another viable solution entails banning the production of disposable filters. As a result, cigarette smokers will be required to recycle the material to reduce wastage (Barnes 2011). Educating smokers on the negative effects of casual disposal of butts through television and social media campaigns is another alternative solution. Facebook and Twitter can be used due to their popularity.

The Viable Approach

The most appropriate strategy involves educating smokers on the negative effects of this practice. Such education can be conducted through television advertisements and social media. Facebook and Twitter will be used to achieve this objective. The two platforms will be used to run a competition where people will design portable ashtrays to curb careless disposal of the butts. Unlike the other alternatives, the strategy engages the smokers who are the major cause of the menace (Hansen 2011).

Social Innovation

Unlike other approaches, the proposed solution is a form of social innovation. It does not generate profits for the innovator. On the contrary, it seeks to find a lasting solution to a social problem. The innovation also originates from a concerned member of society. Community members are also involved in addressing a matter that concerns them. The community does not rely on help from external sources, such as the government (Li 2012).

Listening

Listening to Hubs

The campaign will involve five important hubs. They include the campaigner, television stations, social media companies, smokers, and the government. The campaigner is the most important element. They are the originator of the ideas and strategies to be used. They will establish links with smokers via social media. Communication of the intended message to the target group (the smokers) will be through television (Hansen 2011). The campaigner will also establish blogs where they will be the figure of authority.

Television stations serve as an important tool for the dissemination of information. They link the campaigner to the target population (Li 2012). Most of the television outlets have their own blogs. They also subscribe to social sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. They interact with viewers through these channels.

Social media companies, including Twitter and Facebook, will also be important hubs in the campaign. They provide a platform on which the competition involving ashtrays will be held. They will connect the campaigner with the designers. The companies are ranked as important authorities in blogging activities. Smokers, the target population, are other significant elements. Their activities necessitated the launch of the campaign. They are closely associated with cigarette manufacturers, television stations, and the government. They also use the services of social media companies (Mathos & Norman, 2012). They act as followers and page viewers. The government plays an oversight role in the campaign. It is linked to all the other important hubs. It plays the role of authority in the blogging process.

Listening to Content

The success of the campaign depends on the ability of the media used to generate the content of the desired quality. Dissemination of the resulting content is also important (Hansen 2011). It is important to use repeating content, especially in television advertisements. In this case, the campaign will place emphasis on the need to dispose of cigarette butts in a responsible manner through the use of ashtrays.

The potential hazards of casual disposal of butts will be highlighted. With regards to social media, a number of hashtags will be used on Twitter. Some of them include:

#home for ciggy butts

#designing a home for ciggy butts, and

#ashtray design competition

The campaign will also earn a spot in the trending topics slot in social media. Hot topics on these sites will involve competition for the five best ashtray designer spots.

Home for Cigar Butts Campaign: Strategy

Formulating the Strategy

The campaign aims at using television advertisements to educate smokers on potential hazards of disposing of cigarette butts in a casual manner. It will introduce portable ashtrays through competitions held on Facebook and Twitter. Smokers will be the main target group. Television advertisements will enlighten this cohort on the advantages of disposing of butts in a safe way (King 2011).

The campaign will also target non-smokers hoping that they will influence the way their smoking colleagues handle butts after smoking (Riutta 2008). The social media competition targets the entire community. The move will enhance the social element of the strategy used to deal with the cigarette problem. The solution will depend on the strategys ability to influence the behaviour of smokers.

Today, there are over 1.3 billion smokers in the world (Lee et al. 2013). About 1 billion of them are from developing nations. It is noted that 20% of smokers are aged between 13 and 15 years (Lee et al. 2013). They cannot dispose of the butts in the right manner without portable ashtrays. As a result, the two processes should take place simultaneously. Efforts to educate smokers should go together with the introduction of portable ashtrays.

The Use of Additional Social Media

A blog is needed to enhance the success of the campaign. A Facebook page and Twitter account will also be used. However, these outlets are not sufficient. As such, print media will be used. Newspaper advertisements will be utilised to promote the campaign. It is important to note that not all people have access to the internet (Li, 2012). As a result, the use of social media alone has limitations. Other platforms, such as billboards, will be used to advertise the competition and the campaign itself.

Message Strategy

The campaign is dubbed finding a home for ciggy butts. The term ciggy stands for cigars and cigarettes. The youth, who are the main users of tobacco products, are likely to own the name readily. The ashtrays will serve as the home for the ciggy butts (King 2011).

The Role of the Campaigner

The campaigner, who is also a blogger, will play the role of an instigator. The strategy is a social innovation aimed at educating smokers and designing portable ashtrays to reduce cases of casual disposal of ciggy butts. As a result, the campaign is a sustainable social movement.

Conclusion

Television advertisements and social media competitions are regarded as possible solutions to the problem of careless disposal of cigarette butts. The advertisements will be used to educate smokers. On the other hand, competitions on social media will be used to generate portable ashtray designs. The platforms to be used include Facebook and Twitter.

References

Barnes, R 2011, Regulating the disposal of cigarette butts as toxic hazardous waste, Tobacco Control, vol. 20 no. 1, pp. 45-48.

Hansen, A 2011, Communication, media and environment: towards reconnecting research on the production, content and social implications of environmental communication, International Communication Gazette, vol. 73 no. 2, pp. 7-25.

King, A 2011, Research advances: addressing the environmental fates of everyday products from cigarette butts to shampoos and cleaning agents, Journal of Chemical Education, vol. 88 no. 1, p. 8.

Lee, J, Ranney, L & Goldstein, A 2013, Cigarette butts near building entrances: what is the impact of smoke-free college campus policies?, Tobacco Control, vol. 22 no. 2, pp. 107-112.

Li, X 2012, Content-based visual search learned from social media, ACM SIG Multimedia Records, vol. 4 no. 1, p. 31.

Mathos, M & Norman, C 2012, 101 social media tactics for nonprofits: a field guide, Wiley, Hoboken.

Riutta, A 2008, Cigarette butts and lilacs: tokens of a heritage, Modern English Tanka Press, Baltimore.

Introduction

Virginia Slims is a cigarette brand created in 1968 by a large U.S. tobacco manufacturer, Philip Morris. In its marketing strategies for Virginia Slims, the company targeted only the female audience by promoting cigarettes as the choice for strong, independent, liberated women (Stanford School of Medicine, n.d., para. 1). During the campaign of 1968-1970, Philip Morris expected to increase the demand for its products among women. However, according to the CDC statistics, the number of female smokers had slightly decreased between 1960 and 1970 (US Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2002). Based on this, it is argued that the impact of the women-oriented Virginia Slims campaign on the increase in the number of female smokers was less strong than it was be expected due to the adoption of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (FCLAA) which entered into force in 1965. Since the publication of the US Surgeon General Luther L. Terrys report on smoking and its influence on health in 1964 and the recognition of tobacco intake as a health hazard, the government undertook multiple legislative actions to restrict the activity and prevent its negative influence (Bailey, 2004).

Since then, warning labels, restrictions on advertising, controls of cigarette sales, and other remedial initiatives became an important requirement imposed on tobacco manufacturers by the government and allowed to assert some regulation of cigarette consumption. Considering this, through the investigation of Philip Morris mission which it pursued during the launch of the Virginia Slims campaign in 1968-1970 and the main regulatory actions undertaken by the Congress during this period, the paper aims to identify the factors that caused the reduction in rates of female smokers.

Research Questions

The study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the determinants of womens engagement in smoking?
2. at specific needs does the woman-oriented cigarette advertisement attempt to target to stimulate the change in consumer behavior and increase product demand?
3. What effect does the governmental smoking regulation have on tobacco market dynamics and cigarette consumption rates?
4. What are the potential relationships between the observed decrease in smoking rates among women during 1960-1970, the Virginia Slims original advertising campaign of 1968-1970, and the FCLAA?

Methodology

To answer the formulated research questions, the qualitative methodology is employed. The main data collection tool applied in the study is the literature analysis. The sample of 8 studies that are in line with the research is randomly selected. The peer-reviewed articles are chosen according to the particular criteria including the research of the effectiveness of tobacco advertising regulations, messages conveyed through cigarette ads, and factors influencing female smoking behavior. The structural literature review that is conducted according to the principles of induction allows the obtainment of substantial data for the evaluation of relationships between the investigated causes and effects, identification of the specific patterns in the relationships among variables, and creation of the holistic review of the subject.

Literature Review

Any advertising campaign aims to bring out the emotional response from the targeted audience. As stated by Anderson, Glantz, and Ling (2005), when a consumer buys a certain product, he/she may feel as if purchasing a self-image. To increase product demand, marketers identify the emotional and psychological needs of potential consumers and develop the images which, as they suppose, may promote the desired behavior through assuring the audience that the consumption of the advertised product will help to resolve interpersonal concerns and will lead to self-enhancement. In this way, by exploiting the image of a strong and independent woman as a central element of the Virginia Slims campaign, Philip Morris appealed to the feminist values which are widespread among the individuals in the female market niche. Fashionableness, sex appeal, affluence, independence, and adventure are the main themes of the women-oriented cigarette ads, and they give women a sense of equality, exclusivity, and liberation (Anderson et al., 2005, p. 127).

Because young women tend to regard smoking as normative behavior in diverse social settings and perceive it as a means to socialization (McDermott, Dobson, & Owen, 2007), the problem of self-identity and perceived social evaluation associated with smoking gains greater importance. Social identity is subjective and is shaped by the self-evaluation of personal qualities that may cause social exclusion or acceptance. The noncompliance with the norms accepted in a particular social group may be perceived by a consumer as a risk factor for the distortion of his/her public identity as it may invite unwanted and unflattering social evaluations (Okoli, Richardson, Ratner, & Johnson, 2008).

Therefore, individuals tend to plan and perform their behaviors in the ways that comply with socially accepted norms to reduce the potential threats to their social identity and ensure a high level of acceptance. Okoli et al. (2007) also observe that sometimes there may be a significant variance in the levels of physical and mental addiction to tobacco, and the perceived smoking identity is associated with the increasing dependence and demand for cigarette products. Thus, by focusing on lifestyle preferences in the Virginia Slims campaign, marketers developed brand images that were emotionally and socially pertinent to female consumers and managed to build a strong personal relevance with product characteristics.

When the first women-oriented cigarette promotion campaigns appeared in the 1920s, the number of young women (18-25 years old) who began smoking had drastically increased (US DHHS, 2001). However, according to the report of the Surgeon General on smoking rates, the number of smokers among the female population has declined between 1965 and 1979 from 33.9 percent to 29.9 percent (US DHHS, 2002). Although the 1960-1970 decline may be regarded as insignificant comparing to the intense increase in sales provoked by Virginia Slims ads that increased the female smokers contribution to market by 3% (Toll & Ling, 2005), it demonstrates the role of the federal governments efforts in the regulation of cigarette advertising and elimination of deceptive advertising practices which facilitated the development of the consumers knowledge regarding the hazardous influences of smoking and improvement of the information available to the public (McAuliffe, 1988, p. 49).

The initial governmental actions were based on the recognition of the need for smokers to decide their habits according to the principle of informed choice (Bailey, 2004, p. 44). It was expected that tobacco consumers might give up their activity in case they are adequately informed about all risks and health problems related to smoking, as well as its negative influences on vulnerable populations. According to the recent research data, such as consumer education initiatives as cigarette warning labels are directly related to the change in tobacco users behavior. In the study by Shah, Dave, and Sonaliya (2013), over 80% of respondents, who were informed about smoking-related health risks, reduced the quantity of the consumed tobacco after looking at warning labels, and over 65% of study participants said they thought of quitting tobacco use. However, it is observed that graphic information has a stronger potential in encouraging tobacco cessation among the diverse population groups (Cantrell et al., 2013).

Thus, the lack of pictorial messages in the first governmental anti-tobacco campaigns may be associated with a relatively insignificant decline in female smoking rates. Many researchers observe that the advertisement ban and anti-smoking commercials of the 1960s had reduced smoking more than cigarette advertising had increased cigarette consumption (Hamilton, 1972). However, as McAuliffe (1988) states, many of the researchers analyzed the effects of governmental smoking regulations focusing merely on cigarette demand statistics and without the consideration of product supply rates as an important study variable. Through the investigation of the factors of demand and supply, as well as the changes in cigarette technologies including filter efficiency and reduced nicotine content, the researcher concluded that the regulations adopted by the federal government did not have the effects which were initially intended (McAuliffe, 1988). Therefore, it is possible to say that labeling act and advertising ban more influenced the creation of safer cigarettes rather than the reduction of demand for tobacco products.

Summary

The conducted literature review makes it clear that the promotion campaign addressing the social-emotional needs and interests of women is positively related to the increase in the number of female smokers. Virginia Slims ads allowed the company to attract more female consumers and significantly increase cigarette sales throughout 1960-1970.

The significant controversies in the research findings regarding the effects of governmental smoking control actions were observed. While some researchers claim that warning labels and advertisement bans have a positive impact on smoking reduction rates, the others suggest that their influences are generally insignificant. Because the major purpose of the FCLAA was the promotion of public health, it is possible to assume that the 4% decline in the number of female smokers during 1965-1979 did not meet the expectations of the governmental agencies. Nevertheless, a small decrease in the percentage of tobacco users is likely related to the increased smokers awareness of health risks associated with tobacco intake.

References

Anderson, S. J., Glantz, S. A., & Ling, P. M. (2005). Emotions for sale: Cigarette advertising and womens psychosocial needs. Tobacco Control, 14(2), 127. Web.

Bailey, C. (2004). From informed choice to social hygiene: Government control of cigarette smoking in the US. Journal of American Studies, 38(1), 4165.

Cantrell, J., Vallone, D. M., Thrasher, J. F., Nagler, R. H., Feirman, S. P., Muenz, L. R., & Viswanath, K. (2013). Impact of tobacco-related health warning labels across socioeconomic, race and ethnic groups: Results from a randomized web-based experiment. Web.

Hamilton, J. L. (1972). The demand for cigarettes: advertising, the health scare and the cigarette advertising ban. Review of Economics and Statistics, 54, 401-11.

McAuliffe, R. (1988). The FTC and the Effectiveness of Cigarette Advertising Regulations.Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 7, 49-64. Web.

McDermott, L., Dobson, A., & Owen, N. (2007). Occasional tobacco use among young adult women: A longitudinal analysis of smoking transitions. Tobacco Control, 16(4), 248. Web.

Okoli, C. T. C., Richardson, C. G., Ratner, P. A., & Johnson, J. L. (2008). An examination of the smoking identities and taxonomies of smoking behaviour of youth.Tobacco Control, 17(3), 151. Web.

Shah, V. R., Dave, V. R., & Sonaliya, K. N. (2013). Impact of anti-tobacco warning labels on behaviour of tobacco users in one of the cities of Gujarat, India. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 54(2), 109113.

Stanford School of Medicine. (n.d.). Stanford research into the impact of tobacco advertising. Web.

Toll, B. , & Ling, P. (2005). The Virginia Slims identity crisis: An inside look at tobacco industry marketing to women. Tobacco Control, 14(3), 172-180. Web.

US Department of Health and Human Services. (2001). Surgeon Generals Report Highlights: Marketing Cigarettes to Women. Web.

US Department of Health and Human Services. (2002). Women and smoking: A report of the Surgeon General. Web.

The Theory of Externality

The theory of externality explains the benefit or cost incurred by a third party who was not a party to the reasoning behind the benefit or cost. According to David and Nellis (2006), externalities reflect the ethical views and preferences of the entire population. The cost or benefit cannot, therefore, be quantified in monetary terms. An externality may be either positive or negative depending on whether it is a cost or benefit (David and Nellis 2006).

Economists argue that all forms of trade are beneficial to the contracting parties. However, the same may affect the third party either positively or negatively. According to Nordhaus and Samuelson (2009), externalities result in outcomes that are not optimal in a social context. Moreover, those who bear external costs do so unwillingly, whereas those who enjoy external benefits do so at no cost. McConnell and Brue (2008) argue that negative externalities result to lower satisfaction while positive externalities result in more utility to the third parties.

Smoking in public has been associated with many negative externalities. Passive smoking is one of the negative externalities resulting from smoking in public. According to Riley (2007), passive smoking is the act of inhaling smoke from a tobacco smoke. Research has shown that tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals either in gaseous o particles form. These compounds cause irritation to the respiratory organs and may lead to lung cancer. Passive smoking may further cause irritation to the eyes, sore throat, nausea, cough, and headache. Experts argue that exposure to passive smoking for around 30 minutes can reduce blood flow through the heart (Riley 2007). Children are adversely affected by passive smoking; Riley (2007) argues that Many children are admitted to hospital yearly due to the harmful impacts of passive smoking.

The only way to tackle negative externalities associated with smoking can therefore be through the prohibition of smoking in public places. This justifies the action taken by the Scotland government.

Short-run impact of the smoking ban on alcohol sales in pubs and clubs

Cigarettes and tobacco are complementary goods. According to Nordhaus and Samuelson (2009), Complements are goods that are characteristically used together, where consumption of one lead to the consumption of the other.

Pubs and clubs are public places. A ban on smoking in public places will reduce the number of patrons visiting clubs and pubs in Scotland in the short run. This will therefore shift the demand curve for alcohol from the left to the as illustrated in figure 1 below.

The initial quantity demanded alcohol is represented by Q1, with a price of P1. Fewer patrons visiting pubs and clubs will decrease the quantity of alcohol demanded to Q2 shifting the demand curve inwards to D2. This will also lead to a new price P2 that is lower. The figure, however, assumes that the supply of Alcohol remains ceteris paribus.

Market for cigarettes

Banning of smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland will reduce the demand for cigarettes. This is because fewer cigarettes will be consumed. This effect can be illustrated in a demand and supply diagram as shown in figure 2 below.

The initial quantity of cigarettes demanded in the market is represented by Q1, with a price of P1. Less consumption of cigarettes will shift the demand curve to the left to a new position D2. This will also lead to offer of a lower price that is P2 for cigarettes in the market. There is however, an assumption that supply of cigarettes in the market remains ceteris paribus.

Market for nicorette chewing gum

Nicorette refers to a pharmaceutical product that has nicotine, the product substitutes dependence on tobacco. The product was initially produced to cease smoking. This was because of presence of harmful products in tobacco smoke including carbon monoxide and tar. According to Riley (2007), nicorette is nowadays used to relieve desire and withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco smoking.

Because of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland, demand for nicorette chewing gum will go higher. This is because many people will opt to cease smoking particularly those working in public sectors. The resultant effect on demand of nicorette chewing gum in the market is illustrated in figure 3 below.

Effect of the smoking ban on the Production Possibility Curve of Scottish economy

According to David and Nellis (2006), Production Possibility Curve depicts all output possibilities optimal for production of goods assuming that a set of inputs is given. The frontier also assumes that the inputs at stake are utilized efficiently.

Production Possibility Curve for Scottish economy is represented in figure 4 below.

According to the Production possibility Curve shown above, points A, B and C represents the points at which manufacture of product A and B can be achieved more efficiently. X represents the point at which production of product A and B is least efficient compared to the available resources. However, point y represents production output that is unattainable with the currently available resources.

Because of the smoking ban imposed by the Scottish government, more resources will be allocated to production of other products as compared to those allocated for cigarettes production. This is because the opportunity cost of producing cigarettes will be higher than that of other products; the resultant will be a movement along the production possibility curve. This can be explained using the figure 5 below.

The Scottish economy was initially producing at point B. however, because of the smoking in public ban; more resources are allocated to production of other products. The economy will therefore produce at point A

Conclusion

The overall result of a ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland will be a shift of the Scottish economic resources towards production of other products other than cigarettes. This is because fewer cigarettes will be consumed in the market. Cigarette complimentary products will also be consumed at a lower rate. However, substitutes for example nicorette chewing gum will be consumed more in the market. The ban on smoking will however, improve the lives of the citizens by reducing the harmful effects associated with passive smoking. Smoking in public has also been associated with littering, so environmental cleanliness will also be observed.

References

David, P. and Nellis, J. (2006) Principles of Business Economics, London, Financial Times Management.

McConnell, C. and Brue, S. (2008) Economics, Maidenhead, McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Nordhaus, W. and Samuelson, P. (2009) Economics, Maidenhead, McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Riley, G. (2007) How to Stop Smoking and Stay Stopped for Good, London, Ebury Press.

Introduction

Among the extraordinarily vast range of habits that hurt ones health, smoking is often seen as the most common one. Smoking is typically associated with a plethora of health issues, including respiratory complications, increased threat of heart disease, and other multiple concerns. However, due to a set of preconceptions and the unwillingness to abandon the habit of smoking, patients are rarely inclined to abandon this habit. This paper seeks to study smoking from the perspective of the Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT) and dissect the issue of dissonance-reducing beliefs in smoking people.

Smoking and CDT

History

The problem of smoking has been in existence since the discovery of tobacco, yet very few solutions to the dependency that the specified substance causes have been provided. The lack of willingness to accept the threat of smoking, which most patients have shown, can be explained from the standpoint of the CDT, which suggests that the development of habits such as smoking occurs in cognitive dissonance to the understanding of the harmful effects thereof (Yip et al., 2020). Specifically, the theory suggests that to create an environment in which smoking becomes ethically acceptable and even morally conformable, smokers need to reduce the extent of cognitive dissonance. Consequently, a therapy that increases the levels of cognitive dissonance can be considered a suitable suggestion for assisting smokers in managing their addiction.

Problem Scale

The extent to which the problem of smoking has been growing is truly immense. According to the World Health Organization (2020), the problem of smoking has reached the scale of the global epidemic since nearly 65% of the world population are currently defined as smokers. Therefore, understanding the nature of the issue and creating the framework that would help smokers to abandon their habits is vital for addressing the specified public health issue. In addition, due to the adverse impact that smoking produces on peoples health status, the introduction of strategies aimed at reducing smoking rates will help to manage other common public health concerns, such as respiratory conditions in smokers.

Exploration

Examining the issue at hand, one will realize that smoking has been addressed multiple times by healthcare organizations and experts, yet to no avail. Despite numerous campaigns produced to prove the harm and damage produced by smoking, the specified problem remains a major concern (Baliunas et al., 2020). Therefore, an immediate course of action is required to convince people to cease smoking or, at the very least, to reduce their daily intake of nicotine to a minimum.

Solutions

As emphasized above, the adoption of the CDT framework and the development of the strategy based on the main CDT premise is needed. Namely, the fact that smoking is facilitated by the artificial reduction in the extent of cognitive dissonance must be used as the foundational premise of the new strategy for addressing the problem of smoking on a public health level (Orcullo & San, 2016). As a result, people will be able to recognize the presence of an obvious denial in their attitudes toward smoking. Consequently, the target demographic will feel the need to abandon smoking, thus creating the grounds for a massive improvement in health rates.

Conclusion

By incorporating the key CDT premise concerning the presence of cognitive dissonance in decision-making when choosing to smoke, one will be able to create the foundation for successful therapy against smoking and the further promotion of public health management. Since smoking remains to be a massive global health issue, the increase in the efficacy of strategies used to help people cease to smoke or avoid it at all costs is vital. In turn, the CDT-based approach is likely to improve the management of smoking.

References

Baliunas, D., Zawertailo, L., Voci, S., Gatov, E., Bondy, S. J., Fu, L., & Selby, P. L. (2020). Variability in patient sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and healthcare service utilization among 107,302 treatment seeking smokers in Ontario: A cross-sectional comparison. PloS One, 15(7), 1-15.

Orcullo, D. J. C., & San, T. H. (2016). Understanding cognitive dissonance in smoking behaviour: A qualitative study. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 6(6), 481-484. Web.

World Health Organization. (2020). WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2019. Web.

Yip, D., Gubner, N., Le, T., Williams, D., Delucchi, K., & Guydish, J. (2020). Association of Medicaid expansion and health insurance with receipt of smoking cessation services and smoking behaviors in substance use disorder treatment. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 47(2), 264-274.

Smoking is now widely regarded as an activity that can be associated with numerous health risks, not only for the individual engaging in the activity but also for those who are in the immediate vicinity and thus must partake of what has been termed second-hand smoke. For these reasons it has been determined in a variety of different venues and states that smoking in public and public-use places such as libraries and government offices, restaurants, and shopping malls should be banned. Smokers argue this is an unreasonable restriction on their freedoms, restricting their right to enjoy a nice smoke after dinner or while enjoying the outdoors, especially in light of the fact that many indoor areas have already placed a ban on smoking indoors.

Secondhand smoke is defined as the smoke that an individual inhales as a result of someone elses smoking nearby. While some, mainly tobacco companies and inconsiderate smokers argue that the danger from this smoke is minimal, other more credible sources have identified several properties of secondhand smoke that make it clear this form of smoke is as potent and therefore as dangerous as the smoke the smoker is inhaling into his or her lungs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, smoke inhaled through the filter of a cigarette has only half of the tar and nicotine that can be found in a similar-sized cloud of secondhand smoke. So many studies have provided evidence that second-hand smoke is harmful that the subject is common knowledge and hardly arguable. It has also been shown that non-smoking women married to heavy smokers are more likely than non-smoking women married to non-smokers to develop lung cancer. Workers who were often exposed to repeated and extended exposure to secondhand smoke such as bartenders and waitresses also demonstrate a greater risk of lung cancer, with the chances becoming increasingly likely with the number of years employed in such environments. Children exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke are susceptible to greater instances of bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections, chronic ear infections, and asthma.

Children often suffer serious harm as a result of being exposed to secondhand smoke. As a consequence of their actions in lighting up a cigarette in a public space, knowing the consequences of secondhand smoke, and infringing on others rights to breathe clean air, smokers are engaging in activity that could be considered criminal behavior. Smoking is harmful whether first or second-hand as if everyone doesnt know this.

Although smoking has not yet become recognized as constituting criminal rights infringement upon nonsmoking neighbors, officemates, and children, it is clear that smoking should be banned from public places nationwide. This ban not only serves to enforce the law regarding dangerous or harmful activity upon others but also serves to increase the health of the nation. Smokers are infringing upon the rights and freedoms of the nonsmokers by insisting that public places be filled with deadly, cancer-causing toxins. Since one group of the two must have their rights revoked, it is better to err on the side of health and justice for the greater good of all.

Introduction

Tobacco has become one of the major health issues, affecting most of the American population and other world citizens. Many people are dying from life threatening sicknesses caused by tobacco and it is unfortunate that despite major campaigns to warn people of the dangers of cigarette smoking, they rarely change their attitude toward this habit. Tobacco related deaths are the result of life threatening sicknesses and victims rarely survive to recount their ordeal. In America alone, tobacco accounts for 15% of total deaths in the total population and approximately 8,000 Americans die from direct effects of cigarette smoking weekly (Ropeik & Gray 2007, p.140).

While the social effects of cigarette smoking remain tremendous, the costs to human life and monetary value are staggering. Ironically however, Americans continue to worry about other problems like unsafe drinking water, West Nile Virus, food additives and pesticides while cigarette smoking continues to send a large part of the population to their graves through tobacco related illnesses. Besides, it has caused more deaths than the American soldiers killed in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and several other conflicts combined (Rabinoff 2007, p14).

Yet, Americans have not staged any major protest against this affliction in the same manner that they mobilized against these wars and worse still, the entire society continues to display a high degree of indifference towards the adverse effects that cigarette smoking continues to have on its population. It provides a person with immediate and reliable pleasures. Most people are also misinformed and therefore tend to view smoking as a positive behavior that will yield a desirable outcome even though the habit is counterproductive (Bayram et al, p 33).

The peculiarities of anti-smoking campaigns

Given the above-mentioned facts, it is of the crucial importance to launch an anti-smoking campaign, which would possibly make this very dangerous habit less attractive. In this paper, we need to discuss the factors which determine the outcome of such programs; in particular, we need to focus on the methods of persuasion, the peculiarities of the audience, and the source of communication. However, prior to doing it we should discuss the key features of such activities.

Certainly, the major and ultimate objective is to prevent a person from starting smoking cigarettes or to help him or her to break out of it. In order to achieve this goal it is necessary to cope with several important tasks, namely, to convince an individual that the pleasures of smoking are ephemeral and that in fact, this is just another form of addiction, which turns people into slaves. Secondly, it is essential to dissipate some myths of smoking. For instance, there is a widely held opinion that such behavior is fashionable, and educators have to prove that this is just a misconception (Bayram et al, p 13). In addition to that, campaigners must ensure that the target audience receives their message; they need to pay special attention to dissemination of information.

On the whole, we can say that social workers and psychologists have to fight against almost insuperable odds. We should say that there is such phenomenon as implicit advertising, which means that a certain product is not openly promoted but there are some inconspicuous elements, which significantly affect the decisions of the consumer. The cigarettes receive such type of advertisement; for example by smoking on telescreens many popular icons make people believe that cigarette is an attribute of a powerful and strong person. Thus, we need to undermine this influence.

The factors determining the outcome of the campaign

Source

Therefore, at this point, we need to analyze the factors, which contribute the success or failure of persuasion. When a person realizes that he or she is being persuaded, the first question he asks is Who says so, in other words, we may speak about the source or the communicator (Perloff, 2003, p 149). The personality of the speaker often plays the most decisive role, because very often people focus only on the personality but not on the message, itself.

The reason why so many anti-smoking programs have failed is the inappropriate choice of source. The major problem is that students may deliberately disregard the message if they feel that a social worker lacks certain qualities such as competence, or charisma. Naturally, there are some other traits, such as sense of humor, ability to put oneself into the position of the audience and so forth. These are compulsory skills for any leader.

However, in this case, we should speak about a particular age group from 15 to 21. These people are either teenagers or adolescence. While forming their judgment about their interlocutor, they concentrate on his or her appearance, and it goes without saying that anti-smoking campaigners have to physically attractive. A good communicator must not be dogmatic or categorical. Attractiveness includes not only physical appearance; it also comprises eloquence and sense of humor (Harris et al, 2002, p 122). The audience must not feel that they are forced to certain conclusions or actions; otherwise they will resist this influence, even despite the best intentions of the speaker.

Secondly, we cannot overlook the level of expertise and competence. However, only expertise is not sufficient in this case. Certainly, there are many practitioners, social workers, or teachers, who are very knowledgeable in this sphere, but they must be able to bring this information home to teenagers in a way, which is understandable to them, and this ability is a very rare gift. Many anti-smoking campaigns did not succeed mostly because the communicators could not expound their ideas. This is the first factor, determining the outcome of persuasion.

Message factors

Message factors consist of several components such as structure, content, and the form of presentation. As regards the structure, we should first focus on the qualities of the argument, which can be either one-sided or two-sided (Perloff, 2002, 177). Speakers, who prefer one-sided messages, usually present evidence, supporting only their views and beliefs. This is probably the major fallacy of anti-smoking campaigners, who speak only about the dangers of this habit and its negative effects on health.

However, they deliberately ignore the fact that some people may actually enjoy doing it, thus, the appeals of social workers are often lost upon adolescents. The essence of two-sided persuasion is that it presents opposing views and substantiates one of them. In theory, we need to employ two-sided argumentation in order to be more convincing. Considering the age of the audience, we need to break the stereotype that a cigarette makes anyone stronger, cleverer or more attractive.

Every argument can appeal either to emotions or to the reason (Tindale, 2001, 77). The most widespread strategy of social workers is to appeal to emotions, namely to fear. We have to acknowledge that very often many advertisements only threaten smokers with the risk of lung cancer, or other diseases. It is very unlikely that arguments appealing to fear, can work successfully, because every person (irrespective of his age, cultural origins, academic level etc) feels aversion to threats.

Partly, this is the reason why so many attempts have just the opposite effect. With the reference to this issue, we should say that teenagers are most resilient to such arguments, because at the age of fifteen or seventeen, a person tries to assert oneself, he or she wants to be self-sufficient, independent, and he deliberately disregards admonitions of adults, especially, if they are based only on fear (Harris et al, 2002, p 122).

The scholars also attach primary importance to conclusion-drawing, which can be either implicit or explicit (Perloff, 2002, p 179; Tindale, 2001). The error of many anti-smoking campaigns is that their main message is too self-evident or even banal. Of course, no one can deny that smoking is dangerous, anti-social, harmful, and so forth, but people hear these ideas almost on a daily basis, and, ironically, they no longer listen to them.

Undoubtedly, lecturers may mention adverse consequences, which smoking entails, but this must not be the main focus. It is vital to prove that there are some other alternatives to smoking such as, for instance, contact with friends, sports, literature, music, cinema, etc; and these things are more pleasant and healthier than such dangerous habits as smoking. Theoretically, social workers must only give a prompt or hint, but the audience has to arrive at their own conclusion.

The outcome of the message also depends upon the evidence presented. In academic circles, the reliability and credibility of the source plays the most important role, but for teenagers or adolescents is hard of any importance, because all of them are perfectly aware of the risks that they run when they start smoking. There is one mistake, which the communicators should avoid, and it is the oversaturation of facts. Some people tend to present some statistical data or findings of most recent studies, but this is of no interest to teenagers or adolescents. Thus, we have discussed the so-called message factors. However, we cannot overlook the peculiarities of target population.

The peculiarities of the audience

Prior to developing the strategies, aimed at curbing nicotine addiction among teenagers, the scholars need to consider the key features of the target population. They need to analyze such parameters as age, erudition, cultural origins, and the influence of the parents. As has been noted earlier, teenagers are disinclined to admit the argumentation of other people, especially if we are speaking about adults.

They may not enter debate openly, but in their inner circle, every argument, presented by social workers is rejected. By trying to be independent, adolescents often ignore even the most persuasive evidence. Furthermore, within the boundaries of their peer group, they are very afraid of breaking the stereotypes, accepted among them, even if they realize that smoking is dangerous. This can be defined as the herd instinct and it takes effort for a person to overcome it (Hogg, 2002, p 352).

The second parameter is the level of erudition, because even at the age of fifteen a person may not know about all the dangers of smoking. Naturally, such opportunity is very slim but we cannot eliminate it. Occasionally, even cultural or ethnic origins present certain difficulties because in some countries, smoking pipe or hookah is not viewed as something harmful or anti-social. Yet, one of the most important audience factors is the influence of parents. Many of them do not realize that by smoking cigarettes they set very bad example for their offsprings. Children may acquire this habit by emulating the behavior of parents.

They assume that their parents cannot be mistaken, and subsequently they ignore the evidence that nicotine only shortens the span of their lives. In part, this diminishes the net effects of anti-smoking campaigns, so parents should also become active participants and at first they need to get out of this habit, otherwise the efforts of other people will be in vain.

Information diffusion

The results of many social studies indicate the outcome of persuasion campaign is often determined by effective diffusion of information (Weenig, 1991 p 734). Many programs are designed to address a specific group of the population, such students learning in a particular school or college, but they do not make allowances for social networks, and the relations between various groups. According to the theory of weak ties, developed by Michael Granovetter, an individual often makes his decisions according to the information, received from accidental acquaintances, people whom he may barely knows.

Moreover, this hypothesis implies that a person often overlooks the data, provided by the authorities (Weenig, 1991 p 735), This partially explains the failures of many anti-smoking campaigns, because educators, social workers, practitioners seem represent authorities at least in the eyes of teenagers. However, they admit the arguments of their class or group mates.

Judging from the above-mentioned facts, we need to ensure that the message is conveyed to a large number of people. At first teenagers must be made aware of the program itself, secondly, they must be encouraged to pass the information to others. In this way, we may possibly minimize the effects of peer pressure and help teenagers to become free from prejudices, established in their group because we cannot change the interaction among adolescents from outside. Within the boundaries of the group there are least contractible (Hogg et al, 2008, p 194). Nonetheless, if this evidence is presented by their coevals, they may be more flexible.

Usually adolescents quit smoking not because of their parents prohibitions or the admonitions of medical workers; on the contrary they do so, when they see that this habit is no longer popular among people of the same age. The theory of weak and strong ties has not been tested in connection with anti-smoking campaigns but it seems that this method should be at least applied to this problem. For a considerable period of time, psychologists and sociologists studied the threats of peer pressure and Granovetters hypothesis is a probable solution to this problem.

Conclusion

Therefore, having discussed the factors, which determine the outcomes of persuasion campaigns, we can conclude that anti-smoking programs often do not achieve their main goal due to their dogmatism. Psychologists need to make sure that their message is not categorical or imperative. Secondly, it should not sound like admonition or threat, as this produces only the opposite reaction. Finally, health organizations should encourage teenagers to spread their communication to other people. This will make the effects of peer pressure less acute and smoking may not be so fashionable and attractive.

References

Baumeister, RF 1999, The self in social psychology, Psychology Press, New York.

Bayram, N, Owing, JH, Cheetah, A, & Dlppolito, R 2005, Smoking and health: new research, Nova Publishers, New York.

Harris. M. Butterworth (2002). Developmental psychology: a students handbook. Taylor & Francis.

Hogg. M. Vaughan. G (2008). Social Psychology. Pearson Education.

Perloff. R (2002). The dynamics of persuasion: communication and attitudes in the 21st century. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Rabinoff, M 2007, Ending the tobacco holocaust: how the tobacco industry affects our health pocketbook, and political freedom and what we can do about it, Elite Books, Santa Rosa.

Ropeik, D & Gray, G 2002, Risk: a practical guide for deciding whats really safe and whats dangerous in the world around you, Houghton Mifflin Books, Boston.

Slovic, P 2001, Smoking: risk, perception & policy, Sage Publishers, Seminole.

Smith, ER & Mackie, DM 2000, Social Psychology, Psychology Press, New York.

Tindale. C.W (2001). Rhetorical argumentation: principles of theory and practice. SAGE.

Weenig, Mieneke W (1991). Communication network influences on information diffusion and persuasion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 61(5). pp. 734-742.

Despite its serious complications, cigarette smoking is common among young adults. In the US, nearly 44 million young people are smokers. While 33 percent of these smokers may die from tobacco-associated diseases, adopting an appropriate health promotion approach is critical to the future of advanced nurse roles (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Despite their healthy nature, young people are subjected to social influences, which include homicide, suicide, homelessness, and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008), the emergence of new modes of communication will expose young people to increased tobacco use. Monitoring trends in cigarette smoking and the associated complications is significant in addressing the presented challenge. This paper will propose cigarette cessation as a health promotion plan to address smoking in young adults.

The recent past has seen an increased addiction to cigarettes among young adults. Since most of these adults are at the college level, cigarette smoking has greatly affected not only their health but also their educational objectives. The main goal of the cigarette-ceasing program is to enable young adults to live healthy lives as they achieve their educational objectives.

Today, cigarette smoking is among the leading causes of death among young adults in the United States. The Advanced Practicing Nurses (APNs) play an important role in executing smoking cessation interventions and educating adolescents on the adverse negative effects of cigarette smoking (National Institutes of Health, 2015). Therefore, incorporating NPs in smoking cessation interventions for young adults will see a significant reduction in cases of cigarette smoking among young people. This is to means, as NPS learns how to address challenges such as cigarette smoking, they will be able to come up with problem-solving initiatives for serious issues that concern public health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report (2008), smoking cessation approaches decrease risks associated with chronic illnesses such as stroke and cardiovascular diseases. With respect to the importance of these initiatives, creating an effective plan to collect the needed data is important. In the plan, collecting patients information will be divided into three steps, which will include the assessment stage, intervention stage, and lastly, the evaluation.

Addressing the smoking problem among young adults through the cessation approach will require NPs to utilize subjective and objective data for focused intervention. In the evaluation stage, NPS will screen their patients smoking habits. Therefore, nurses will measure the levels of nicotine using FTND. FTND will determine how long a smoker will smoke after waking up. In addition, it will ensure that patients are screened in the appropriate manner (National Institutes of Health, 2015). Subjective data such as Patient History (PH) and Family History (PH) on respiratory diseases and cancer among others, will facilitate an effective cessation intervention. In addition, NPS will assess patients ceasing history to create effective alternative approaches. Objective data is significant when creating a focused intervention (National Institutes of Health, 2015). NPS will carry out complete physical examination through physical assessments of blood pressure. In addition, nurses will examine the different body parts to note tobacco irritations.

It is important to carry out diagnostic tests to determine the appropriate treatment measure. For an effective Ceasing cigarette initiative, a spirometry test for all smokers should be carried out at the intervention stage. Upon establishing normal results, NPS will initiate smoking cessation strategies. Upon positive identification of a smoking problem, smokers will be advised to visit healthcare providers for advice and seek further assistance on smoking cessation interventions. Lastly, at the evaluation stage, patients under treatment will be screened to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. At the evaluation stage, smoking intervals will be assessed.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Healthy youth! Student health and academic achievement. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Web. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and productivity lossesUnited States, 2000-2004. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 57(45), 1226.

National Institutes of Health (2015). New Funding Opportunities from the Science of Behavior Change Program (2014). Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) Common Fund Program Report. Web.

A controlled study was performed to determine the efficacy of Mindfulness Therapy (MT) in treating smoking dependence among 40 adults. Half of the participants received the standard therapy for smoking dependence, while the rest received the MT. After 16 weeks, the participants were asked to fill out the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) to indicate their level of dependence on the substance. The null hypothesis assumed that there was no difference between the NDSS scores for the two groups. The study used an independent samples t-test, as the two groups were independent of each other, no outliers were expected, and the NDSS scores were normally distributed (Jackson, 2016). Subjects that received MT had a lower NDSS score (M = 8.1, SD = 3.04) compared to the participants that received standard treatment (M = 13.25, SD = 3.51). The difference in average score for standard and MT interventions was significant, with t (38) = 4.9607, p =.000. Since p <0.05, the study rejected the null hypothesis, as nicotine dependence was significantly lower among subjects that received MT compared to the standard therapy. The findings indicate that MT is more effective in reducing nicotine dependence among youths compared to standard therapy. These findings support the need for practitioners to adopt MT as the preferred intervention against smoking. In addition, the findings corroborate those of existing studies that indicate that combining non-judgmental attitudes in substance-dependence counseling produces better individual awareness and builds the capacity to overcome existing weaknesses. Such interventions are needed to stem the rising tide of nicotine dependence among the youth. Consequently, practitioners and policymakers should include mindfulness sessions in their standard therapy interventions to achieve better results that last longer than ordinary treatments.

Reference

Jackson, S. L. (2016). Research methods and statistics: A critical thinking approach. Cengage Learning.