Sex differences in affect-triggered lapses during smoking cessation: A daily diary study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smoking lapses are common during cessation attempts and predict relapse.
• Affective states (positive and negative moods) are potential triggers for lapses, but findings are mixed.
• Sex differences in smoking behavior related to affect are suggested, with women smoking more in negative states and men in positive states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex-specific differences in affective triggers for smoking lapses during a cessation attempt.
• To test the hypothesis that negative affect is more strongly associated with lapses in women, and positive affect in men.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 60 male and female nicotine-dependent smokers attempting to quit unaided ('cold-turkey').
• Participants completed daily diaries for 14 days, recording mood states preceding smoking lapses.

Main Results:

• Men reported more lapses triggered by positive moods (good mood) compared to women over the 14-day period.
• Negative mood-induced (bad mood) smoking lapses decreased in men but persisted in women throughout the study.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the hypothesis of sex-specific affective triggers for smoking lapses.
• Smoking cessation strategies should incorporate tailored approaches addressing distinct male and female affective triggers.