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

Background: This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determining the 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 $6^{th}$, $7^{th}$ and $8^{th}$ grades in three primary schools. The data were collected through socio-demographic data collection form, Social Skill Perception Form and Child Decisional Balance 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 skill perception, was $8.6{\pm}3.1$, in those with a low social skill perception point average it was $10.7{\pm}4.2$, the difference being significant(p=0.012). The respective point averages of con perceptions were $26.8{\pm}3.7$ and $23.5{\pm}3.3$, again significant (p=0.000). While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking. Conclusions: As the social skill perception point average increases, children's con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease.