The protective role of emotional intelligence in smoking relapse during a 12-month follow-up smoking cessation intervention

Abstract

Background Previous literature has shown the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and smoking. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of EI in smoking behaviour are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyse how EI abilities protect against relapse in a 12-month smoking cessation program. Methods One hundred and seventy-three volunteer smokers were enrolled in a well-established smoking cessation program, accompanied by a 12-month follow-up, through the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Moderation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted to explore the influence of EI abilities on the effect of stress reactivity and nicotine dependence on the likelihood of relapse. Results Emotional repair ability moderated the effect of stress reactivity on relapse. Higher levels of stress reactivity were associated with a higher likelihood of relapse, but only in those individuals with lower emotional repair abilities. In addition, the moderated mediation analyses revealed that emotional clarity and emotional repair abilities moderated the indirect effect of nicotine dependence on smoking relapse through its influence on stress reactivity. Conclusions Emotional management is a central concept in explaining smoking behaviour. Our findings suggest that the inclusion of EI training could be particularly useful for improving current smoking cessation programs. A good ability to manage emotions allows smokers to effectively apply psychological coping strategies to deal with stressful situations, thus protecting against relapse.

Can emotional intelligence training cause a cease in tobacco smoking among school-going adolescents?

“…Moreover, emotional intelligence training is among intervention-based approaches that could be used to promote the cessation of tobacco usage or smoking among school-going adolescents. This finding therefore upholds previous studies (Ciarrochi et al, 2006;Hill et al 2018;Kun & Demetrovics, 2010;Louie et al, 2018;Megías-Robles et al, 2020;Perea-Baena et al, 2011). In particular, Megías-Robles et al (2020) found that EI training is capable of reducing nicotine dependence and can ultimately lead to the cessation of tobacco use, even when stressed.…”

“…This finding therefore upholds previous studies (Ciarrochi et al, 2006;Hill et al 2018;Kun & Demetrovics, 2010;Louie et al, 2018;Megías-Robles et al, 2020;Perea-Baena et al, 2011). In particular, Megías-Robles et al (2020) found that EI training is capable of reducing nicotine dependence and can ultimately lead to the cessation of tobacco use, even when stressed. As defined earlier, emotional intelligence involves an individual's ability to control and regulate his/her emotions/moods/feelings, thought process and be aware of other peoples' emotions (Salovey & Mayer, 1990).…”

“…The study suggests that adolescents with higher emotional intelligence have the potential to refuse and eschew mental health. More recently, Megías-Robles et al (2020) studied the preventative role of EI in smoking relapse after a year of cessation. The study participants comprise of 173 volunteer established smokers.…”

Promotion of Smoking Cessation Using the Transtheoretical Model: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness for Workers in Coastal Central Taiwan

“…Many smokers experience stress at work or in their lives. 31 , 32 Smoking cessation interventions should thus take the socio-economic status of smokers into account, aim to understand the sources of stress, and provide appropriate counseling so that practical assistance can be provided. Finally, the gradual integration of smoking cessation interventions into health promotion activities of all employees should be considered so that care and encouragement of healthy behavior among colleagues can be strengthened.…”

The Protective Association of Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence with Adolescent Tobacco Use

“…Since the concept of EI was initially formulated, growing interest in the field has led to numerous evaluation methods [38]. Currently, two EI constructs can be identified based on the method of measurement used, with the literature being compiled independently [39].…”