Nicotine dependence as a moderator of message framing effects on smoking cessation outcomes.
BACKGROUND
The persuasiveness of gain-framed and loss-framed messages for smoking cessation may vary by smokers' characteristics. Preliminary research in non-treatment-seeking smokers has shown that level of nicotine dependence moderates the effects of framed smoking messages on quit intentions and smoking cessation attitudes. Nicotine dependence as a potential moderator of message framing effects on actual smoking outcomes among treatment-seeking smokers remains to be determined.


OBJECTIVE
This secondary analysis of data from a smoking cessation trial (Psychol Addict Behav. 2007; 21: 534-544) examined nicotine dependence as a moderator of message framing effects on smoking cessation success.


METHODS
Dependence scores were dichotomized into high and low dependence (n = 249).


RESULTS
Among high-dependent smokers, gain-framed messages were associated with higher levels of smoking abstinence both during and post-treatment than loss-framed messages. There was no differential effect of gain- versus loss-framed messages among low-dependent smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings suggest that the effectiveness of message framing interventions for treatment-seeking smokers may vary by smokers' level of nicotine dependence.
Fucito
Lisa M
LM
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. lisa.fucito@yale.edu
Latimer
Amy E
AE
Salovey
Peter
P
Toll
Benjamin A
BA
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy