According to Akers' theory, differential associations with smokers, differential reinforcements for smoking, favorable definitions of smoking, and the availability of role models explain why adolescents smoke. In order to test this theory, the current study used data collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Center for Health Statistics in a 1989 study of various health practices, attitudes, tobacco consumption, and other social behaviors. A total of 3,460 cases were tested with social learning theory after being categorized as current smokers (n=1,111) and 2,349 former smokers (those who had ever smoked). The dependent variable in this study was the smoking status of adolescents, defined as persons between the ages of 11 and 19. The study used the social learning theoretical concepts of Akers in a stepwise regression analysis in relation to the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Results from the logistic regression analyses showed significant independent effects for differential association (B=.275), differential reinforcement (B=-.395), definitions (.359), and imitation (.045) on adolescents who had ever smoked (former smokers); and stepwise multiple regression procedures indicated that differential associations, differential reinforcements, and imitation helped to explain 38 percent of the variance among adolescents who currently smoke cigarettes. As shown by this study, both peers and adults are sources of differential association, differential reinforcement, definitions, and imitation. Thus, it is important to equip adolescents with the anti-smoking tools and messages needed to counter the pro-smoking messages received from their environments and associations. In the intervention stage, factors in the peer and family environment must be addressed if smoking behavior is to change. Enforced smoking restrictions in the home and public places act as protections against smoking behavior. The banning of smoking in the home particularly discourages adolescent cigarette smoking, because this presents a strong message that tobacco consumption is unacceptable. 3 tables and 37 references