title: Mixed feelings: ambivalence as a predictor of relapse in ex-smokers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ambivalence can be viewed as a normal temporary psychological state in a decision process, for example, on quitting smoking. However, when ambivalence is still present after the decision has been made, it may undermine the motivation to stick to the decision. In smoking cessation, ambivalence can be expected to increase the risk for relapse.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cohort of 352 ex-smokers, felt ambivalence measured at baseline was used to predict relapse after 1 month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Firstly, felt ambivalence was a predictor of relapse. Secondly, felt ambivalence moderated the strength of the relation between a psychological determinant of behaviour and actual behaviour: anticipated negative self-evaluative emotions only predicted relapse when felt ambivalence was low. Thirdly, the relation of felt ambivalence with relapse was partly mediated by ex-smokers' evaluations of risk situations (situations in which they used to smoke in the past).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ambivalence is related to relapse in different ways and in ex-smokers it may be conceptualized as a non-optimal decision process. Although the role of felt ambivalence needs further study, the data suggest that ambivalence must be taken into account in the practice of relapse prevention.
authors: University of Groningen, The Netherlands. k.m.menninga@rug.nl
authors: Karin M
authors: KM
authors: Menninga
authors: Arie
authors: A
authors: Dijkstra
authors: Winifred A
authors: WA
authors: Gebhardt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D012008:Recurrence; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult