A fine-grained analysis of the role of self-efficacy in self-initiated attempts to quit smoking

Abstract

The relation between self-efficacy ratings and smoking behavior was explored among 36 people who were trying to quit smoking on their own. Ss self-monitored high-risk situations, coping efforts to withstand the temptation to smoke, and self-efficacy in coping with similar temptations for 4 weeks after quitting. Self-efficacy ratings were significantly related to the outcome of these situations, with Ss reporting higher efficacy ratings after situations in which they did not smoke as opposed to those in which they did smoke. Self-efficacy was predictive of smoking outcome, but there was considerable intersubject variability in the strength of the relation between efficacy and smoking behavior. Both efficacy and previous smoking behavior predicted smoking outcome equally well, however.