Improving Understanding of the Quitting Process: Psychological Predictors of Quit Attempts Versus Smoking Cessation Maintenance among College Students

Abstract

This study examined motivation, positive and negative outcome expectations of quitting, and self-efficacy as predictors of quit attempts and cessation maintenance in a smoking cessation intervention for college students (N = 303). Psychological measures assessed at baseline were used to predict smoking behavior outcomes. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analysis revealed that motivation and self-efficacy were strong, differential predictors of quit attempts and cessation maintenance, respectively. This study extends the previous findings regarding psychological predictors of quitting processes to college students, and suggests the need for interventions tailored according to phases of quitting processes.

The Relationship Between ART Adherence and Smoking Status Among HIV+ Individuals

“…Motivation and confidence to quit were measured on 1–10 scales, asking participants “On a scale from 0 to 10, how motivated/confident are you to quit smoking?” These items have been shown to be sensitive to baseline levels of interest in quitting prior to treatment, and to relate to cessation outcomes in both adults and college students (40–42). We also assessed the reported number of quit attempts in the previous year and established stage of change for quitting (33) by asking participants about their intention to quit in the next 6 months and 30 days.…”

Association between change in self-efficacy to resist drinking and drinking behaviors among an HIV-infected sample: Results from a large randomized controlled trial

“…The importance of higher levels of self-efficacy-- one’s belief in one’s ability to perform a specific behavior in a given situation (Bandura, 1977)--has been demonstrated in weight loss (Armitage et al, 2014), exercise (Cramer et al, 2014), smoking cessation (Lee et al, 2014), antiretroviral medication adherence (Tyer-Viola et al, 2014), contraception use (French and Holland, 2013), and reduction of alcohol use (Foster et al, 2014). Drinking-related self-efficacy in particular- that is, self-efficacy to reduce or resist drinking in particular situations-has often been studied in order to explain changes in drinking behaviors.…”

Abstinence expectancies and quit attempts

“…Existing measures of quitting expectancies have been shown to have adequate internal and concurrent validity (Dijkstra et al, 1996; Hendricks et al, 2009; Sirota et al, 2010; Kale et al, 2015; Abrams et al, 2011; Hendricks et al, 2011; Kahler et al, 2013; Eklund et al, 1997; Lee et al, 2014; Macnee & Talsma, 1995; McKee et al, 2005; Rohsenow et al, 2015). The internal and concurrent validity of the PRBQ in our study appears to be similar to or slightly higher than that of these other measures.…”

“…Only one advantage (more energy and alertness) and one disadvantage (loss of concentration) predicted future quit attempts, and none of the items predicted abstinence success among attempters (Kale et al, 2015). Another study of smokers not trying to quit found negative expectancies about abstinence predicted a quit attempt but not abstinence, and that positive expectancies predicted neither (Lee et al, 2014). A human laboratory study found abstinence expectancies predicted greater withdrawal symptoms, but did not examine quit attempts or abstinence (Hendricks & Leventhal, 2013).…”

“…Determining expectancies about smoking cessation could suggest targets for media and clinical interventions; however, this requires knowing which expectancies actually influence quitting. Although several studies have examined the reliability and concurrent validity of quitting expectancy scales (Dijkstra et al, 1996; Hendricks, Wood, & Hall, 2009; Sirota et al, 2010; Kale et al, 2015; Abrams et al, 2011; Hendricks et al, 2011; Kahler et al, 2013; Eklund, Hiltunen, Melin, & Borg, 1997; Lee, Catley, & Harris, 2014; Macnee & Talsma, 1995; McKee et al, 2005; Rohsenow et al, 2015), few have tested whether they predict future quit attempts or abstinence success. During a previously published natural history study (Hughes JR et al, 2014), we collected information on one of the more widely used of these scales - the Perceived Risks and Benefits Questionnaire (PRBQ) (McKee et al, 2005).…”