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A day at a time: predicting smoking lapse from daily urge
S Shiffman1, J B Engberg, J A Paty
1Smoking Research Group, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA. SHIFFMAN+@PITT.EDU
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Newly quit smokers experienced declining urges, but daily urge intensity still predicted relapse. Urge intensity upon waking was the strongest predictor of lapse risk.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
- Psychology
Background:
- Smoking cessation is challenging, with urges being a primary barrier.
- Understanding the dynamics of urges post-cessation is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the intensity, frequency, and duration of smoking urges after quitting.
- To identify which urge characteristics predict smoking lapse.
Main Methods:
- 214 recent quitters monitored daily smoking urges for up to 26 days.
- Computer-administered assessments captured urges upon waking and during temptation episodes.
- Proportional hazards survival analyses investigated predictors of lapse.
Main Results:
- Urge intensity and temptation frequency generally declined over the quit period.
- Daily urge intensity and temptation duration predicted lapse.
- Urge intensity upon waking remained a significant predictor of lapse, independent of timing.
Conclusions:
- While urges decrease post-cessation, daily fluctuations remain critical.
- Monitoring urge intensity, particularly upon waking, may help identify individuals at high risk for relapse.
- Targeting waking urges could be a key strategy in smoking cessation support.