Utility of behavioral self-help manuals in a minimal-contact smoking cessation program

The effectiveness of two commercially available smoking cessation manuals was evaluated under minimal therapist contact conditions. Forty cigarette smokers who volunteered to participate in a self-help quit smoking program were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 18 to Pomerleau and Pomerleau's 1977 manual, 13 to Danaher and Lichtenstein's 1978 manual, and nine to a waiting-list control. Six-month follow-ups indicate that the former manual offers a useful treatment approach, while no firm conclusions can be made regarding the latter manual. Utility of self-help manuals in multilevel treatment programs is discussed.