The role of self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, and preparatory planning in predicting short-term smoking relapse

Br J Health Psychol. 2012 Feb;17(1):185-201. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2011.02032.x. Epub 2011 Jun 27.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the role of self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, and preparatory planning with regard to short-term smoking relapse. We also assessed whether the importance of these variables differed for smokers quitting individually and without help (self-quitters) and smokers quitting with the help of a smoking cessation course (group quitters).

Design: A longitudinal quasi-experimental study with follow-ups at 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt was conducted in order to assess the role of baseline self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, and preparatory planning on short-term relapse.

Methods: The recruitment included adult daily smokers (N= 121), quitting in a smoking cessation course (N= 57) and self-quitters (N= 64). Respondents received internet-based questionnaires 2 weeks before quitting (baseline) and 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt. Predictors of relapse were analysed using logistic regression analyses.

Results: Relapse at 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt was predicted by low levels of baseline self-efficacy. Simple slope analyses revealed that less preparatory planning significantly predicted relapse at 1 month after the quit attempt among group quitters, but not among self-quitters. Recovery self-efficacy was only predictive of relapse after 1 month when self-efficacy was excluded from the analyses. Moreover, among group quitters, the results indicated a borderline significant curved relation between recovery self-efficacy and relapse after 1 month.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that more research is needed on the role of preparatory planning and recovery self-efficacy. Moreover, we recommend incorporating self-efficacy increasing techniques in relapse-prevention interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult