Predicting young adulthood smoking among adolescent smokers and nonsmokers.

Objective: To examine predictors of smoking in young adulthood among (1) adolescent nonsmokers and (2) adolescent smokers.

Methods: Data were analyzed from a longitudinal study of adolescents to young adulthood in 1988-1998.

Results: Predictors of smoking in young adulthood among adolescent nonsmokers included less education, being unmarried in adulthood, lower family social support, non-smoking parents, and increased alcohol use over time. Predictors of smoking in young adulthood among adolescent smokers included lower family social support, more adolescent friends who used drugs, and slower decreases in depressive symptoms over time.

Conclusions: Distinct factors predict smoking initiation versus maintenance among young adults.