Perceived partner responsiveness predicts smoking cessation in single-smoker couples

Romantic partners are crucial to successful smoking cessation, but the mechanisms by which partners influence cessation is unclear. Research in this area has focused heavily on partner smoking status and support for quitting, but partner influence may not be limited to these two constructs. The current study examines the perceived responsiveness of the partner (i.e., the perception that the partner understands, approves of, and supports the self) as a predictor of smoking cessation in unassisted quitters, independent of smoking-specific support for quitting and more general relationship satisfaction.

Data were taken from a sample of smokers (N = 62) in relationships with never/former smokers (i.e., members of single-smoker couples) who completed a 21-day ecological momentary assessment study during an unassisted quit attempt. Measures of perceived responsiveness, support for quitting, and relationship satisfaction obtained at baseline were used to predict smoking outcomes over the course of the study.

Consistent with our predictions, perceived responsiveness emerged as a significant predictor of smoking cessation over and above the effects of support for quitting and relationship satisfaction. Support for quitting only predicted self-reported relapse. Unexpectedly, once perceived responsiveness was considered, greater relationship satisfaction was associated with poorer smoking outcomes.

The current research suggests that perceived responsiveness is a more effective resource for smoking cessation than support specifically for quitting. These findings extend previous research by demonstrating that perceived responsiveness represents a distinct construct from smoking-specific support or relationship satisfaction, and that it is important for smokers during a quit attempt.