Adolescents' movement towards cessation of smoking: Role and relative value of the processes of change and nicotine dependence

Authors: Kleinjan, Marloes¹; van den Eijnden, Regina J. J. M.²; Leeuwe, Jan van³; Brug, Johannes⁴; van de Ven, Monique³; Engels, Rutger³

Source: Psychology and Health, Volume 23, Number 6, August 2008 , pp. 729-743(15)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The present study addresses the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model's processes of change in explaining adolescents' readiness to quit smoking. Furthermore, the association between nicotine dependence and readiness to quit was assessed both directly, as well as indirectly through the processes of change. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, identifying 1547 weekly smokers aged 14-18 years. Structural equation modelling showed that the processes of change were only marginally associated with readiness to quit. Adding nicotine dependence to the model showed a direct association between nicotine dependence and readiness to quit. Only one process of change, self-liberation (i.e. choice/commitment to change and belief in the ability to change), was found to mediate this association. Nicotine dependence appeared to be highly important in adolescents' readiness to quit.

Keywords: Nicotine dependence; processes of change; stages of change; smoking cessation; adolescents

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870440701757344

Affiliations: 1: Addiction Research Institute (IVO), Rotterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2: Addiction Research Institute (IVO), Rotterdam, The Netherlands 3: Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands 4: EMGO Institute VU, University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Publication date: 2008-08-01