Assessment of Smoking Behavior

Abstract

The nature of smoking risk is first reviewed and a classification of procedures for assessing smoking behavior is presented. Areas requiring assessment include not only the traditionally measured smoking rate, but also the substance used and topography of consumption. Each of these areas may be assessed through a variety of self-report, observational, or indirect techniques. These techniques as well as some of their advantages and disadvantages are presented. Recently published (1975 to mid-1978) data-based smoking research appearing in four journals (Addictive Behaviors, Behavior Therapy, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)As then reviewed with respect to measurement reliability and the use of multiple measures. Results show a strong tendency to assess only the risk area of smoking rate and a low frequency of appropriate measurement reliability checks, especially during baseline and treatment phases. Some of the implications of these results are discussed.

The reliability and validity of self-reported puffing behavior: Evidence from a cross-national study

“…What research exists provides conflicting findings. For example, self-reported inhalation was found to be significantly associated with biological markers of smoke intake in some (Nakayama, Yokoyama, Yoshiike, Ichimura, Yamamoto, & Tanaka, 1999;Hofer, Nil, Wyss, & Battig, 1992;Burling, Lovett, Richter, & Frederiksen, 1983), but not other studies (Frederiksen, Martin, & Webster, 1979;Hill, Haley, & Wynder, 1983;Etter & Perneger, 2001).…”

Exploring the Relationship Between Physical Activity Knowledge, Health Outcomes Expectancies, and Behavior

“…It does not matter whether the outcome expectations are valid, what is more important is that they exist. 20 Although knowledge of recommendations enables the behavioral capacity to perform a desired behavior, 21 an individual's outcome expectancies may have a direct effect on his or her personal beliefs and behaviors. 19 Thus, although inactive adults usually have similar beliefs about the benefits of physical activity as those who are sufficiently active, 22 their outcome expectancies may differ.…”

The Nature of Behavioral Assessment: A Commentary

“…Behavioral assessors have responded to this by taking multiple measures so as to ensure a broad assessment. In the assessment of smoking, for example, Frederiksen, Martin, and Webster (1979) argue that frequency and topography of smoking as well as substance smoked must be recorded. Similarly, several different questionnaires were administered to the adolescent-mother dyads by Prinz et al (1979); and academic achievement was measured by standardized achievement tests, completion of assignments, and class grades by Filipczak et al (1979).…”

“…For example, Schnelle et al (1979) used archival records to determine the number of reported robberies, number of arrests, and amount of recovered stolen money. Frederiksen et al (1979) provide another example by advocating the analysis of chemical by-products of smoking. As discussed by Kazdin (1979), such indirect measures have the advantage of being less obtrusive and consequently less reactive than more direct measures.…”

“…Thus Frederiksen et al (1979) argue for the measurement of several aspects of smoking (frequency, topography, substance smoked) because of their relationship to the smoker's health. This also points to the importance of measuring the most meaningful dimension of a target behavior.…”