Effects of Student Perceptions of Social Skills on their erception of Smoking

Background: This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determiningthe effect of student perceptions of social skills on their pro and con perceptions of smoking. Materials and
Methods: The study sample comprised 106 students at 6th, 7th and 8th grades in three primary schools. The datawere collected through socio-demographic data collection form, Social Skill Perception Form and Child DecisionalBalance Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage calculation, Student t test and correlation analysis.
Results:While the point average of pro perception of smoking of the students with a high point average of social skillperception, was 8.6±3.1, in those with a low social skill perception point average it was 10.7±4.2, the differencebeing significant(p=0.012). The respective point averages of con perceptions were 26.8±3.7 and 23.5±3.3, againsignificant (p=0.000). While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the pointaverage of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationshipwas determined with the pro perception of smoking.
Conclusions: As the social skill perception point averageincreases, children’s con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease.