Are most precontemplators contemplating smoking cessation? Assessing the validity of the stages of change.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the validity of the stages of change (SOC) algorithm for current smokers.


METHODS
This study was a mail-based, cross-sectional survey study of 242 adult smokers.


METHODS
The main outcome measures were the SOC algorithm and a variety of alternative questionnaire items measuring motivation to quit smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
The results revealed that the SOC algorithm systematically underestimated motivation to quit smoking relative to a variety of other measures. Further, the stages of change do not appear to be qualitatively distinct categories. More than half the precontemplators were contemplating cessation, and many precontemplators intended to quit. Most contemplators were not merely contemplating cessation but rather were trying to quit currently. In summary, there is a divergence between the concepts underlying the SOC - precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation - and the operational definitions of these concepts.
Herzog
Thaddeus A
TA
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of South Florida, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA. herzogta@moffitt.usf.edu
Blagg
Christopher O
CO
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation