Maintenance and attributions about smoking among smokers, nonsmokers, and ex-smokers

Attributions about smoking by smokers, nonsmokers, and sustained ex-smokers do not show evidence of an actor versus observer bias. Smokers rated most reasons for smoking as relatively less important. Attributions about smoking of ex-smokers resembled nonsmokers and differed from smokers. Ex-smokers are less likely to perceive themselves as having been addicted but more likely to perceive continued smokers as addicted. Various attributions for smoking, heavy smoking, expectancies, and desires for quitting were differentially related to perceived addiction. The data are discussed in terms of the "mindless" habitual nature of cigarette smoking, and the conscious, cognitive restructuring necessary for maintenance after smoking ceases.