Hyperstress and outcomes in a long-term smoking intervention program

Robert C. Benfari
Elaine D. Eaker
Judith K. Ockene, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Kevin M. McIntyre

Abstract

A group of 182 smokers in a CHD risk factor intervention program were prospectively followed for 4 years to note the relationship of selected psychosocial factors to long-term outcomes in smoking cessation. The results of the study suggest that the combined effects of high levels of presumed stress and low self-reliance (measured by a multimode method) have predictive value in determining failure in long-term follow-up. The results were linked to a possible treatment-person interaction and to current theory on conditioned emotional states and addictive smoking.