APPLYING THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL TO A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF SMOKERS

Interrelationships among key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model are examined for the first time on a large (N = 4,144) representative sample of smokers. The posited relationships between the early Stages of Change (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation) and the Proce sses of Change, Decisional Balance, and Situational Temptation are gen erally supported. Precontemplators are found to use the Processes of C hange the least and those in Preparation use them the most. Precontemp lators also have the least negative attitudes toward their smoking beh avior. Precontemplators and Contemplators are tempted to smoke in more situations than those in Preparation. Precontemplators are also the m ost addicted to smoking, followed by those in Contemplation and Prepar ation, respectively, when examined on traditional measures of smoking behavior. The implications for smoking cessation efforts are also disc ussed.