The Relationship between Stigma and Psychological Reactance to Smoking Cessation among Women Smokers in Their 20s and 30s : The Mediating Role of Smoking-Area Perception

Key Points

• This research explores the psychological mechanisms linking stigma experienced by female smokers to their resistance to quitting smoking, considering the influence of smoking-area perception.
• Survey conducted with women smokers in their 20s and 30s (Study 1)
• Focus group interviews (FGI) conducted for deeper insights (Study 2)
• Analysis of stigma perception and its effect on psychological reactance to smoking cessation.
• Stigma perception affects smoking cessation resistance indirectly through smoking-area perception, not directly.
• Participants reported a long-standing awareness and experience of social stigma, relating smoking areas to emotional regulation and psychological recovery.
• The findings suggest a need to shift smoking cessation communication strategies to support smoker autonomy rather than reinforcing stigma.