Health conception, health locus of control, and power as predictors of smoking behavior change

Abstract The purpose for this study was to examine the value of health conception, health locus of control, and power as predictors of success or failure with smoking behavior change. Discriminant analysis was used to differentiate between subjects who successfully abstained from smoking and those who resumed smoking following participation in a smoking control program. Results indicated that an external locus of control, including expected outcomes attributed to chance and powerful others, a clinical-based conception of health, and a heightened sense of awareness, distinguished recidivists from successful abstainers. Study findings may have implications for identifying smokers who have a high probability of failing in initial attempts to quit smoking. Special instructions and interventions need to be designed to help these smokers develop a broader definition of health as more than the absence of disease, a greater sense of internal control over health practices, and an increased sense of power for participating in behavioral change.