Normative beliefs about tobacco smoking on campus in relation to an exposititon of the viewpoint of the nonsmokers' rights movement

Abstract

A 147-item questionnaire on the effects of tobacco smoking on campus was administered to 307 University of New Hampshire undergraduates. Questions were asked in relation to an exposition of the viewpoint of the nonsmokers' rights movement. A group of 21 items, dealing with attitudes and normative beliefs related to issues of smokers' and nonsmokers' rights, were selected for analysis in this paper. Descriptive statistics and t tests contrasting the smokers and nonsmokers were presented. A majority of both groups agreed that smoking on campus should be limited to special areas and agreed that the right to breathe smoke-free air is the primary right. Nonsmokers in particular affirmed that nonsmokers who find smoke aversive often hide their true feelings and do not request that smokers abstain. Interpretation of results focused upon the normative structure of our society as the key element involved in perpetuating smoking in shared areas. At the present time it appears that smoking in these areas without permission is defined as normative (i.e., appropriate), whereas objecting is implicitly characterized as a norm violation.