Management Opportunities for Smokers at the University of North Sumatra

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 103 views

Impression Management Mahasiswi Perokot Di Universitas Sumatera Utara (Studi Deskriptif Kualitatif Impression Management Mahasiswi Perokot di Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Management Opportunities for Smokers at the University of North Sumatra

Introduction

Smoking is a significant public health concern worldwide, and its prevalence among university students is particularly alarming. The University of North Sumatra, like many other institutions of higher learning, has a significant number of students who smoke. This study aims to explore the characteristics of smoker students, the reasons they smoke, and how they apply management opportunities in their daily lives. Using descriptive qualitative methods, this research focuses on the behavior and strategies used by smokers on this campus.

Methodology

This study employed a constructivist paradigm, with the support of dramaturgy theory, the theory of cognitive dissonance, and self-concept to explore the phenomena that occur. The data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews with informants who were active students at the University of North Sumatra. The sampling method used was Snowball Sampling, starting by identifying one individual key who then recommended another informant. A total of seven smokers were selected as informants in this study.

Characteristics of Smoker Students

The results of the study revealed various characteristics of smoker students at the University of North Sumatra. Among them, there are those who consume cigarettes because of dependence, regular smokers, and those who are not dependent on cigarettes. Interestingly, most informants claimed to start smoking from an early age, ranging from kindergarten to high school, while no informant claimed to start smoking after entering college. Three main reasons for smoking students are identified, namely the desire to try, the influence of others, and as a way to overcome stress or problems encountered.

Opportunity Management

In the context of opportunity management, smokers at the University of North Sumatra try to create a certain image that can affect the perceptions of others. They arrange themselves, attitudes, styles, and appearance when speaking in public and in personal contexts. From the study, three smokers' students were identified using opportunities management: main class, ordinary classes, and fillers. However, not all smoker students apply active opportunity management; Some of them do not feel the need to regulate their self-image because their smoking habits have been known by people around them.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This study provides an interesting insight about how smokers at the University of North Sumatra manage their self-image. Dramatic theory used by researchers can explain that students' daily life is similar to a show, where they act as an actor who wants to give a certain impression to the audience. In this case, cigarettes are often considered a symbol of status or identity among some students.

The influence of peers also plays an important role in the smoking habit of students. There is a strong social pressure for "trial and error" and adapting to groups, especially to new students. In addition, smoking is also often a way to overcome increasing stress and academic pressure, which can trigger smoking behavior among students.

It is essential to note that the management of opportunities carried out by smoker students is not only about the image, but also involves individual psychology. Cognitive dissonance can arise when smoking behavior is contrary to the values or beliefs they profess, which makes them have to try to create a consistent narrative for themselves.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the complex dynamics between smoking behavior, image management, and social factors that influence students at the University of North Sumatra. The results of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the problem of smoking among students and assist in the development of more effective intervention programs to reduce smoking behavior among the younger generation.

Implications for Future Research

This study has several implications for future research. Firstly, it highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to smoking behavior among university students. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of considering the social and psychological factors that influence smoking behavior. Finally, it suggests that intervention programs should be designed to address the complex dynamics between smoking behavior, image management, and social factors.

Recommendations for Intervention Programs

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for intervention programs aimed at reducing smoking behavior among university students. Firstly, programs should focus on addressing the social and psychological factors that contribute to smoking behavior, such as peer influence and stress. Secondly, programs should aim to promote a positive self-image and self-esteem among students, which can help to reduce the appeal of smoking. Finally, programs should be designed to be culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the target population.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Finally, the study did not explore the long-term effects of smoking behavior on the physical and mental health of students.

Future Directions for Research

This study has several future directions for research. Firstly, it highlights the need for further research on the social and psychological factors that contribute to smoking behavior among university students. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of exploring the long-term effects of smoking behavior on the physical and mental health of students. Finally, it suggests that future research should aim to develop more effective intervention programs that address the complex dynamics between smoking behavior, image management, and social factors.
Impression Management Mahasiswi Perokot Di Universitas Sumatera Utara (Studi Deskriptif Kualitatif Impression Management Mahasiswi Perokot di Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Q&A: Impression Management among Smoker Students at the University of North Sumatra

Q: What is impression management, and how does it relate to smoker students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: Impression management refers to the process of creating a certain image or impression of oneself to influence the perceptions of others. In the context of this study, impression management is used by smoker students to create a positive image of themselves, despite their smoking behavior.

Q: What are the characteristics of smoker students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: The study found that smoker students at the University of North Sumatra can be characterized as those who consume cigarettes due to dependence, regular smokers, and those who are not dependent on cigarettes. Most informants claimed to start smoking from an early age, ranging from kindergarten to high school.

Q: What are the main reasons for smoking among students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: The study identified three main reasons for smoking among students at the University of North Sumatra: the desire to try, the influence of others, and as a way to overcome stress or problems encountered.

Q: How do smoker students at the University of North Sumatra manage their self-image?

A: Smoker students at the University of North Sumatra try to create a certain image that can affect the perceptions of others. They arrange themselves, attitudes, styles, and appearance when speaking in public and in personal contexts.

Q: What is the role of peers in the smoking habit of students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: The study found that the influence of peers plays an important role in the smoking habit of students at the University of North Sumatra. There is a strong social pressure for "trial and error" and adapting to groups, especially to new students.

Q: How can intervention programs be designed to address the complex dynamics between smoking behavior, image management, and social factors?

A: Intervention programs should focus on addressing the social and psychological factors that contribute to smoking behavior, such as peer influence and stress. Programs should also aim to promote a positive self-image and self-esteem among students, which can help to reduce the appeal of smoking.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. The study did not explore the long-term effects of smoking behavior on the physical and mental health of students.

Q: What are the future directions for research on impression management among smoker students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: Future research should aim to further explore the social and psychological factors that contribute to smoking behavior among university students. The study should also investigate the long-term effects of smoking behavior on the physical and mental health of students.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy and practice?

A: The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to smoking behavior among university students. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the social and psychological factors that influence smoking behavior. Public health policy and practice should aim to address these factors in order to develop effective intervention programs to reduce smoking behavior among the younger generation.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research on impression management among smoker students at the University of North Sumatra?

A: Future research should aim to develop more effective intervention programs that address the complex dynamics between smoking behavior, image management, and social factors. The study should also investigate the long-term effects of smoking behavior on the physical and mental health of students.