A Q-methodological investigation into the meanings of cigarette consumption.
This Q-methodological study identified shared subjective explanations of smoking among non-smokers, current smokers and ex-smokers, to consider whether some representations were protective or facilitated quitting. Four factors were identified: named independent addiction; independent non-addiction; anti-smoking; and social addiction. The first two factors were dominated by current and ex-smokers, and the last two by non-smokers. Differences emerged on the use of the 'addiction' concept, the use of smoking as a tool for affect management, the role of image manipulation and the general positive and negative perceptions of smoking. The functional use of the different shared smoking representations is discussed.
Moss
Timothy P
TP
Department of Psychology, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. tim.moss@uwe.ac.uk
Bould
Emma
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003469:Culture; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010379:Peer Group; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*