Cognitive and affective responses to successful coping during smoking cessation

Based on Marlatt's relapse model, this study examined the previously unexplored role of cognitive and affective responses that follow successful coping experiences during smoking cessation. Twenty-six smokers completed self-report measures of attribution, efficacy, and affect in response to smoking cessation behaviors during treatment and at 2-, 4-, and 8-week follow-ups. Subjects abstinent at 3-month follow-up were more likely to attribute their successful quitting behaviors to more internal, stable, and controllable factors, and they reported enhanced self-efficacy, compared with smokers. Differences in affective responses to successful coping by quitters and smokers were not significant. Implications of the findings with respect to relapse theory and relapse prevention treatment are discussed.