麻豆传媒AV

Citation

Marathia E, Saunders B & Duffy S (2024) Understanding unassisted smoking cessation: insights from a cross-sectional survey on motivation and self-regulation. The Lancet UK Public Health Science Conference, Cardiff, Wales, 29.11.2024. The Lancet, 404 (Supplement 1), p. S86. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736%2824%2902063-4

Abstract
Background Despite many formal cessation interventions, over 60% of smokers quit unassisted. This study explored the self-regulation strategies and motivations behind unassisted smoking cessation across socioeconomic status (SES) levels, drawing from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the process model of self-control. SDT posits that internal motivation—engaging in behaviour because it is personally meaningful—is crucial for behaviour change. The process model outlines two types of strategies: situational (eg, avoiding tempting environments) and cognitive (eg, reappraising temptations). These frameworks helped elucidate the psychological processes underlying unassisted cessation. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 501 UK adults was conducted in September–October, 2022, sampling both high and low SES groups via Prolific. Three participants were excluded for failing attention checks, resulting in a final sample of 498 participants (57% female, mean age: 43 years, range: 18–77). Motivation was measured using established SDT-related items, while strategies were assessed using an adapted version of the Self-Control Strategy Scale. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, correlations, and moderation analysis, accounted for nicotine dependence and time since cessation. The study was approved from the University of Dundee School Research Ethics Committee (UoD-SOSS-PSY-PG-2022-141) and was pre-registered (https://osf.io/bcus2). Findings Unassisted quitters were more internally motivated to quit compared to assisted quitters (d=–0·19, p=0·035). Lower SES participants showed lower internal motivation (r=0·10, p=0·026) and used fewer strategies (r=0·13, p=0·005). The interaction between SES and quitting type (assisted vs unassisted) had a statistically significant impact on internal motivation (b=–0·18, p=0·005). Follow-up analysis indicated increased internal motivation (r=0·25, p=0·016), specifically in low SES groups, whereby unassisted quitters from lower SES demonstrated higher internal motivation than their assisted counterparts (d=–0·50, p=0·016). Interpretation These findings indicate that unassisted cessation is associated with increased internalised motivation across SES levels. Lower SES individuals, while generally less internally motivated, displayed increased motivation when quitting unassisted. Future research could explore how enhancing autonomy during quit attempts might strengthen this motivation, potentially increasing the success of unassisted cessation across SES levels.

Journal
The Lancet: Volume 404, Issue Supplement 1