Depression predicts smoking early but not late in a quit attempt

This study examined the relationship between depression history and smoking after a quit attempt. A total of 677 smokers participating in a randomized smoking cessation trial (Smith et al., 2001) provided data on current depression, depression history, and depression-related measures and smoking at 1 week and 6 months after a quit date. Depression history predicted smoking at 1 week postquit but not at 6 months postquit. Smoking during the first week was not predictive of smoking at 6 months in those with a history of depression but was predictive among those with no history of depression. Prediction models including depression history and depression-related measures (e.g., negative affect, negative cognitive style) showed that depression history was a powerful predictor of smoking early in the quit attempt.