Sexism and Risk-Taking: How is Gender Discrimination Associated with Tobacco Use Among Adolescent Girls?
Author: Tiffany Wong
Faculty Supervisor: Zena Mello
Department: Psychology
This study investigated the association between sexism and tobacco use among adolescent girls. Identifying modifiable social determinants that contribute to risky behaviors among adolescents is a much-needed area of research. To contribute to our understanding of this important and understudied area, we addressed the following research question: how is sexism associated with tobacco use among adolescent girls?
Data were collected anonymously with paper-and-pencil surveys from two public high schools in the Western United States. Participants were 725 adolescents in grades 9-12 who identified as either women or trans women. Sexism was measured with five sub-scales that assessed experiences of overt and subtle sexism. Tobacco use was measured by assessing lifetime and past month’s use of tobacco products, electronic products, dual use of both tobacco products and electronic products, and no use.
Results indicated that users of tobacco products reported more experiences of sexism than non-users. Findings underscore the potential for tailored interventions to address gender-based disparities and support adolescents in navigating the difficulties posed by sexism in order to prevent risky behaviors like tobacco use. Moreover, results may be used to raise awareness among professionals working with adolescents to foster better health and reduce harmful behaviors.