Date of Award

Winter 12-17-2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science - Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

First Advisor

Dr. Dawnella Rust

Second Advisor

Dr. Mark Faries

Third Advisor

Dr. Christina Sinclair

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to (a) determine the locus of control among American college students (b) determine if tobacco use or cessation correlate with any demographic variables to better understand the efficacy of tobacco interventions and help design an intervention most effective in the prominent LOC of college students.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was modified for the purposes of this study and used to determine demographic factors and tobacco usage status. The modified GATS survey also included the LOC questionnaire which yielded the data. Seventy-four responses were recorded. The mean locus of control scores were 31 (internal), 19 (external), and 9 (powerful others). Significant correlations were observed between tobacco usage on campus and cessation attempts ( r(74) = .24, p < .05), tobacco usage status and tobacco use on campus ( r(74) = .33, p < .01), and gender and tobacco usage status ( r(74) = .38, p < .01).

The survey reported a stronger internal locus among college students. Therefore it is recommended practitioners design and implement interventions effective in ILOC patients. Furthermore, more research must be done into exactly what measures benefit the ILOC patient and how. Surveys that explore the methods of cessation and intervention experienced by students in greater depth also are necessary moving forward.

Comments

This data for this study was collected at an institution in East Texas one semester prior to the implementation of an anti-tobacco policy banning students from using tobacco in any form on campus property.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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