A multi-level analysis of non-significant counseling effects in a randomized smoking cessation trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine, in the context of a trial in which counseling did not improve smoking cessation outcomes, whether this was due to a failure of the conceptual theory identifying treatment targets or the action theory specifying interventions.


METHODS
Data from a randomized clinical trial of smoking cessation counseling and bupropion SR were submitted to multi-level modeling to test whether counseling influenced real-time reports of cognitions, emotions and behaviors, and whether these targets predicted abstinence.


METHODS
Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, Madison, WI.


METHODS
A total of 403 adult, daily smokers without contraindications to bupropion SR use. Participants were assigned randomly to receive individual counseling or no counseling and a 9-week course of bupropion SR or placebo pill. Cessation counseling was delivered in eight 10-minute sessions focused on bolstering social support, motivation, problem-solving and coping skills.


METHODS
Pre- and post-quit ecological momentary assessments of smoking behavior, smoking triggers, active prevention and coping strategies, motivation to quit, difficulty quitting and reactions to initial lapses.


RESULTS
Counseling prompted avoidance of access to cigarettes, improved quitting self-efficacy, reduced perceived difficulty of quitting over time and protected against guilt and demoralization following lapses. Results also supported the importance of limiting cigarette access, receiving social support, strong motivation and confidence and easing withdrawal distress during cessation efforts. Quitting self-efficacy and perceived difficulty quitting may partially mediate counseling effects on abstinence.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking cessation counseling may work by supporting confidence about quitting and reducing perceived difficulty quitting. Counseling did not affect other targets that protect against relapse.
McCarthy
Danielle E
DE
Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. demccart@rci.rutgers.edu
Piasecki
Thomas M
TM
Jorenby
Douglas E
DE
Lawrence
Daniel L
DL
Shiffman
Saul
S
Baker
Timothy B
TB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009042:Motivation; D055361:Multilevel Analysis; D010919:Placebos; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D010919:Placebos; D016642:Bupropion