DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/SC9B-8005
Defense Date
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Steve Danish
Abstract
The current study explored the experiences of high school peer leaders (N = 45) chosen to participate in an eight-week peer-led tobacco intervention program, Living Free of Tobacco, Plus! (LIFT+). The study used a repeated measures design to examine changes in leadership self-efficacy, perceived leadership skill, and goal-setting from baseline to post-test. Leaders’ susceptibility to future tobacco use, self-efficacy to resist and avoid tobacco, and confidence and interest in following nutritional guidelines were also examined at two time points. To strengthen self-report measures, peer and teacher evaluations of observed leadership behavior were collected. Results suggest that participation as a peer-leader in the LIFT+ program yielded several benefits. Leaders in the LIFT+ program reported a significant increase in interest in following nutritional guidelines, leadership self-efficacy, perceptions of leadership skill, and confidence in goal setting. Limitations and implications for future peer-led initiatives are discussed.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2009