Can transtheoretical model measures predict relapse from the action stage of change among ex-smokers who quit after calling a quitline?
This study explored whether transtheoretical model (TTM) measures could predict relapse from the action stage, i.e., during the first 6 months of smoking cessation. Predictors of relapse were examined between time 2 (3-month) and time 3 (6-month) assessments (n = 247), and also between time 3 (6-month) and time 4 (12-month) assessments (n = 204). Consistent predictors of relapse included lower self-efficacy and determination to quit and higher temptations to smoke. Some predictors of relapse changed according to how long a person had already been quit for. Contrary to the TTM, greater behavioral change process use predicted relapse among people who had already quit for less than a month, and did not prevent relapse among those who had already quit for a month or more between time 2 and time 3. Cross-sectional analyses showed significant decreases in temptations to smoke and in the use of some of the change processes, which stabilised at about 1 month post-cessation. The findings suggest that there may be a stage boundary at around 1 month post-cessation, and question the homogeneity, and hence validity, of the TTM-defined action stage of change.
Segan
Catherine J
CJ
VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control, 1 Rathdowne St., Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia. cathy.segan@cancervic.org.au
Borland
Ron
R
Greenwood
Kenneth M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires