Clinical observation indicates that self-efficacy (SE), though general
ly linked with maintaining smoking cessation, can be excessive. The st
ates-of-mind (SOM) model offers a testable means of predicting when po
sitive thinking will be detrimental. Specifically, the ''positive-mono
logue'' SOM (ratio of positive to positive + negative thoughts greater
-than-or-equal-to .69) is seen as maladaptive. This model was tested b
y relating SOM ratios for SE-relevant thinking, measured in articulate
d thoughts shortly after smoking cessation, to later smoking status. C
ontrary to predictions, positive-monologue SOMs were (a) typical and (
b) predictive of longer periods of abstinence than were less positive
cognitive balances. Several explanations are considered for this diver
gence from the SOM model.