FIRST LAPSES TO SMOKING: WITHIN-SUBJECTS ANALYSIS OF REAL-TIME REPORTS
Saul Shiffman, Jean A. Paty, Maryann Gnys, Jon A. Kassel, and Mary Hickcox
University of Pittsburgh
Studies of smoking relapse and temptation episodes have relied on retrospective recall and confounded between- and within- subject comparisons of the initial lapse, a temptation episode, and base rate data obtained through randomly scheduled assessments. Negative affect discriminated all three situations, with lapses worse than temptations, and temptations worse than random situations were more often attributed to behavioral transitions. Participants were 12 times more likely to report coping in temptations than in lapses. However, only cognitive (vs. Behavioral) coping strategies were effective. Lapses (vs. The other situations) were more likely to occur when smoking was permitted, when cigarettes were easily available, and in the presence of other smokers. The results have clinical implications, and the computerized monitoring methods may be applicable to an array of clinical research problems.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996, Vol. 64, No. 2, 366-379