The smoking cessation process

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the smoking cessation process as perceived by smokers and ex-smokers. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with 25 ex-smokers who had quit smoking for at least 1 year, but not more than 7 years, and 22 smokers who had quit smoking for at least 2 weeks and returned to smoking. A systematic analysis of content was used to generate categories of responses regarding the smoking cessation process. The results of this study support and enhance what is known about behavioral change. Although further testing for verification is needed, the smoking cessation process as described by the study participants is: thinking about quitting, making a case, quitting, making adjustments, meeting the challenge, resumption, or maintenance.