The current research employs a multi-wave longitudinal design to examine how young adults\u27 own smoking, smoker prototypes, and perceived partner approval of smoking are associated with selection of romantic partners over time. Results indicate that participants who smoke and have a more positive prototype of the typical smoker are more likely to initiate a romantic relationship with someone who smokes and who has greater perceived approval for smoking. The findings suggest the importance of examining romantic partner factors associated with young adult smoking and suggest some important aspects of selection effects in terms of the target of selection (romantic partners), what is selected for (partner smoking and approval), and key participant variables that contribute to selection (participant\u27s own smoking and smoker prototype)
