To remain a non-smoker. A qualitative investigation of Danish adolescent girls’ experiences about their own non-smoking behaviour

The aim of the study described in this article was to explore how non-smoking adolescent girls, living in a smokers’ environment, explained the reasons for their own non-smoking behaviour. Eleven girls aged 14–16 years were interviewed. All had parents and best friends who were smokers.The interviews were semi-structured. Data were analysed according to guidelines suggested by Kvale (1997).The findings revealed that non-smoking behaviour was often preceded by a deliberate decision, which was sometimes made early in life. Moreover, the decision was implemented and repeated during the course of time, in a dynamic process that involved the girls’ inner as well as external resources and experiences. The findings are discussed within the theoretical framework of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model. We also discuss how risk behaviour may be prevented within the girls’ ecological system.