Abstract
The escalating prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents has sparked concerns regarding potential health implications, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of the underlying influences. The primary objective is to identify key determinants that prompt high school students to begin using e-cigarettes. The pressing issues are the range of negative health outcomes linked to e-cigarette use in this demographic, including addiction, respiratory issues, cognitive impairments, depression, and thoughts of self-harm. Consequently, comprehending why adolescents are drawn to e-cigarettes is pivotal for designing effective prevention and intervention strategies. By delving into the motivations behind e-cigarette initiation among high school students, this research intends to equip school counselors with valuable insights grounded in data. This will enable them to develop targeted interventions tailored to the district needs of adolescents. Identifying successful prevention measures has potential to significantly enhance the overall well-being of young individuals on a national scale. Ultimately, the objective of this project encompasses investigating incentives and triggers behind e-cigarette initiation, examining the complex interplay of social, environmental, and personal factors influencing adolescent’s decisions, analyzing potential health implications, and informing the creation of precise intervention strategies based on a comprehensive understanding of the driving factors behind e-cigarette use. Overall, this study seeks to uncover multifaceted influences contributing to adolescent e-cigarette initiation, with the overarching goal of developing targeted strategies to mitigate this trend and promote the health of adolescents.
Date of Award
Fall 2023
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Degree Name
Masters of Science in School Counseling
Department
Counselor Education - Graduate Studies
First Advisor
Anquinetta V. Calhoun, Ph.D.
Location
Winona, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Adams, Dariyan R., "An Investigation into the Factors Influencing Adolescent E-cigarette Initiation" (2023). Counselor Education Capstones. 189.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/189
