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Published on: August 6, 2013
Shaping reduced smoking in smokers without cessation plans
R J Lamb1, A R Morral, G Galbicka
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, 78229, USA. lamb@uthscsa.edu
A shorter reinforcement window (4 samples) effectively reduced breath carbon monoxide (BCO) levels and increased quit readiness in smokers not planning to quit, showing faster abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Most smokers do not intend to quit within six months.
- Previous research showed percentile schedules reduced breath carbon monoxide (BCO) in smokers attempting to quit using a 9-sample window.
- This study investigates a more responsive 4-sample window for smokers not actively planning to quit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-sample window percentile schedule compared to a 9-sample window.
- To assess the impact on breath carbon monoxide (BCO) levels, quit readiness, and self-efficacy in smokers not planning to quit.
- To determine if a more responsive procedure enhances abstinence.
Main Methods:
- Participants were divided into two groups, one using a 4-sample window and the other a 9-sample window for reinforcement criteria.
- Breath carbon monoxide (BCO) levels were monitored.
- Measures of quit readiness and cessation self-efficacy were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed substantial reductions in BCO levels.
- Readiness to quit and cessation self-efficacy increased in both groups.
- The 4-sample window group had more participants achieve BCO levels below 4 ppm (indicating recent abstinence), reaching this level faster and for more visits.
Conclusions:
- A 4-sample window percentile schedule is more effective than a 9-sample window for reducing BCO levels in smokers not planning to quit.
- This responsive procedure accelerates abstinence and increases motivation to quit.
- Findings suggest tailoring reinforcement schedules can improve smoking cessation interventions.
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