ORTHODOX RELIGIOSITY AS A FACTOR IN THE PREVENTION OF SMOKING IN STUDENTS OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE AGED 13-18 YEARS

Abstract

This multi-level empirical study conducted on a sample of 500 pupils attending the Gymnasium and Lyceum of the American College of Greece investigates the role of religiosity in preventing the use of tobacco products among adolescents aged 13-18 years. The research shows that religiosity in adolescence can, albeit indirectly, create "a protective shield" in the personality of young people and keep them away from the "shackles" of smoking habits and behavior by acting proactively and, at the same time, as a deterrent. Meanwhile, smoking prevention interventions in the family, the school and the wider social environment are of great importance and significance ―however, charged with religious, moral and general spiritual axes― towards protecting teenagers from harmful addictive substances.