WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO QUIT SMOKING - ASSOCIATIONS WITH SELF-EFFICACY

This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and sustain ed smoking cessation in Dutch quitters attending a group program for s moking cessation in 1991. Increase in self-efficacy during treatment w as found to be a predictor of outcome after controlling for demographi c characteristics and cessation history variables. Relapsers (n = 75) showed more negative relationships between self-efficacy and withdrawa l symptoms than long-term abstainers (n = 58). Relapsers who were more depressed during the attempt under study were less self-efficacious a t the end of treatment. In addition, the duration of the previous atte mpt to quit smoking proved to be differently associated with self-effi cacy for quitters and relapsers.