Impact of Personality Traits and Peer Influence on Smoking Behavior among University Students; with the Mediating Role of Health Risk Perception

Abstract

The current study analyzed the direct and indirect effects of personality traits and peer influence on smoking behavior of universitys students along with the mediation role of health risk perception. A quantitative correlational research methodology was used. Data were collected from a sample of male university students through purposive sampling from government and private sector universities of Bhakkar, Pakistan. Standardized scales in psychology were used, and data analysis was done through descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-test and hierarchical regression analysis. It was found that peer influence had statistically significant positive correlation with smoking behavior and acted as strong positive predictor of smoking behavior of students. On the other hand, personality traits had no statistically significant effect on smoking behavior. Independent samples t-test results found no statistically significant difference in smoking behavior between undergraduate and graduate students. Regression results revealed that health risk perception had partially mediated the relationship between peer influence and smoking behavior, increasing the explanatory power of the model significantly. This study highlights the fact that social peer interactions are the main motivator of student smoking behavior, while health risk perception is an important mediator.