Negative affect subtypes and craving differentially predict long-term cessation success among smokers achieving...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Addiction Research
• Psychology

Background:

• Smoking cessation is challenging, with high relapse rates.
• Negative affect (NA) and craving are known predictors of relapse.
• Understanding the temporal dynamics of NA during abstinence is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between individual trajectories of negative affect (anxiety, depression, anger) and craving during early smoking abstinence.
• To determine if these trajectories predict smoking cessation outcomes at 3 months and 1 year.

Main Methods:

• 140 adult smokers underwent assessments of NA and craving during a 44-day abstinence period.
• Growth curve and logistic regression analyses were employed to link trajectory parameters with cessation outcomes.
• Biochemically verified abstinence and nicotine/placebo patch treatments were utilized.

Main Results:

• Greater declines in anxiety, depression, and anger over the first 44 days predicted higher odds of abstinence at 3 months and 1 year.
• Declines in anxiety and anger remained significant predictors, independent of craving trajectories.
• Slower dissipation of NA, particularly anxiety and anger, indicated a higher risk for relapse.

Conclusions:

• Temporal profiles of negative affect provide unique motivational insights into relapse risk.
• Slower reduction in NA during early abstinence poses a greater relapse risk than craving alone.
• Targeting NA reduction in early abstinence could enhance long-term smoking cessation success, especially for individuals with persistent affective symptoms.