Treatment non-response: Associations with smoking expectancies among treatment-seeking smokers

Abstract

Despite the high rate of smoking cessation treatment non-response, relatively little empirical work has examined predictors of treatment non-response. The present study sought to explore the effect of smoking outcome expectancies on treatment response in a sample of treatment-seeking adult daily smokers (N = 182; 53.3% female; Mage = 40.67; SD = 13.63). Results indicated that expectancies for smoking to reduce negative affect were related to an increased likelihood of treatment non-response (OR = 0.73, CI: 0.54, 0.98). These findings remained significant after controlling for sex, presence of Axis I disorder, tobacco-related health problems, tobacco dependence, anxiety sensitivity, and condition assignment as well as other smoking expectancy dimensions. Post hoc analyses revealed that this relation was stronger for smokers in the integrated care condition vs. the standard care condition (Interaction: OR = 1.69, CI: 1.05, 2.73). Additionally, expectancies for smoking to enhance positive affect and provide sensory satisfaction were associated with an increased likelihood of treatment response in the standard care condition. The current findings suggest expectancies that smoking will alleviate negative affect may be a risk factor of smoking cessation treatment non-response. Additionally, findings provide evidence that the relation between smoking expectancies and treatment non-response may differ by smoking cessation treatment.

Addressing Outcomes Expectancies in Behavior Change

“…18,19 Yet, individuals in smoking cessation programs who reported greater amounts of positive outcome expectancies were associated with decreased cigarette abstinence. 13,15 While the physical, mental, and financial benefits of smoking cessation may be easy to recognize, recognizing the malignant metabolic effects of smoking cessation are just as critical. These include post-cessation weight gain mediated insulin resistance, placing one at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and making cessation difficult.…”

Indonesian adolescents’ perspectives on smoking habits as a reference for a prevention program: a qualitative study

“…The students believe that smoking helps them to adapt to the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that are taking place, although various studies have proved that smoking reduces self-esteem and self-image among those with severe addiction [14]. A previous study also showed that smoking addiction is associated with depression; but adolescents perceived that smoking could eliminate their negative feelings, and this perception was one of the risk factors for failure in a cessation program [15]. A previous report also found that teenagers are vulnerable to negative social in uences from commercial groups that promote cigarettes, and therefore building their self-con dence is crucial to reduce vulnerability [4].…”

Indonesian adolescents’ perspectives on smoking habits as a reference for a prevention program: a qualitative study

“…The students believe that smoking helps them to adapt to the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that are taking place, although various studies have proved that smoking reduces self-esteem and self-image among those with severe addiction [14]. A previous study also showed that smoking addiction is associated with depression; but adolescents perceived that smoking could eliminate their negative feelings, and this perception was one of the risk factors for failure in a cessation program [15]. A previous report also found that teenagers are vulnerable to negative social in uences from commercial groups that promote cigarettes, and therefore building their self-con dence is crucial to reduce vulnerability [4].…”