Reversal theory constructs and cigarette availability predict lapse early in smoking cessation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of reversal theory constructs (i.e., metamotivational states) to understanding the outcome of tempting situations that occur in the first 6 weeks of smoking cessation. Cessation program participants (n = 68) were interviewed about tempting situations in which they either smoked or maintained abstinence. Both independent groups and repeated measures analyses indicated that metamotivational state (serious and goal-directed vs. playful and spontaneous) and cigarette availability significantly predicted outcome. Reversal theory constructs correctly predicted outcome of the tempting episode for 70% of the subjects, while cigarette availability was an accurate predictor for 74%. Metamotivational state and cigarette availability together predicted the outcome for 89% of the subjects.