The present study examines collectivist influences in preventing smoking among Hispanic youths. Using a pretest/posttest design, sixth-graders received a collectivist or standard curriculum. Both curricula contained knowledge-based facts about smoking. The collectivist condition included an interdependent perspective. Compared to the standard curriculum, students in the collectivist condition reported more desirable behaviors, parental involvement, desirable and accurate perceptions about smoking, teacher approachability, and lower tobacco use. These results were also the case if their collectivist characteristic matched the program orientation. Collectivism should be considered for enhancing the cultural sensitivity and effectiveness of preventive programs for Hispanic preadolescents. (Contains 1 figure.)