Perceived role of motivation and self-efficacy in smoking cessation: A secondary data analysis

This secondary analysis tested whether smokers' perceived importance of willpower, ability to quit (i.e., self-efficacy), and use of treatment would prospectively predict occurrence of a quit attempt, duration of abstinence, or use of cessation aids.

Smokers (n=143) who planned to quit sometime in the next 3months were asked whether, for most smokers, a) willpower is necessary for quitting, b) willpower is sufficient for quitting, c) they could quit anytime, d) they were too addicted to quit, and e) they thought use of aids indicated weakness of character. Smokers then reported quit attempts and abstinence daily for 3months. No treatment was provided.

The two willpower beliefs were often endorsed (78% and 60% each); the can quit any time and being too addicted beliefs were endorsed less consistently (12% and 35% each); and the belief that use of aids indicates a weakness was rarely endorsed (8%). The beliefs were only modestly correlated. Those who more strongly endorsed the two willpower beliefs or use of aids as a weakness were less likely to make a quit attempt. None of the constructs predicted duration of quit attempt. Seeing treatment as a weakness predicted less use of treatment.

The large majority of smokers believe willpower is necessary and sufficient for quitting and this belief appears to impede quit attempts. Given this is a post-hoc finding, replication tests are needed. If replicated, clinical and media interventions to combat willpower beliefs may increase quit attempts.