Reversal theory's mastery and sympathy states in smoking cessation

Relapse is the most frequent outcome of smoking cessation attempts. This study tests the usefulness of the mastery and sympathy concepts of Apter's reversal theory to explain whether subjects lapse or abstain during highly tempting situations. Descriptions of the highly tempting situations of 57 individuals who were attempting to quit smoking were assigned to mastery or sympathy categories. Situations were also coded for availability of cigarettes. Logit modeling revealed that both the mastery/sympathy variable and the availability of cigarettes were necessary to fit the data. Being in the mastery state and having to exert effort to get cigarettes were significantly related to resisting the urge to smoke. The smoking status of 36% of the subjects was correctly classified using both variables. The usefulness of mastery/sympathy states in explaining relapses in behavior change is discussed.