TY - JOUR TI - An examination of real-time covariates of motivation to quit smoking DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3ST7RQP PY - 2015 AB - This study explored the stability of motivation to quit during an assisted smoking cessation attempt and tested the hypothesis that changes in self-efficacy, nicotine withdrawal, and positive smoking expectancies would predict changes in motivation to quit smoking. We used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data from a randomized clinical trial examining the effects of withdrawal exposure on smoking cessation success. Ninety-three adult smokers trying to quit smoking were randomized to either standard treatment (nicotine patch and individual counseling) or standard treatment plus pre-cessation withdrawal exposure through practice quitting sessions. Participants reported their moment-to-moment willingness to work hard at quitting (motivation), confidence in ability to quit smoking (self-efficacy), positive smoking expectancies, negative affect, and additional withdrawal items. Reports were prompted three times per day, beginning two weeks before the quit date and continuing for one week post-quit. Hierarchical linear models indicated that baseline motivation to quit predicted real-time (time-varying) motivation to quit before, but not after the quit date, regardless of smoking status. During the two weeks pre-quit, motivation fluctuated over time as an average trend across participants when measured every 24 hours. During the same period, there was significant individual variability in real-time motivational patterns over time. These findings did not appear during the first week post-quit, however. Time-varying self-efficacy predicted contemporaneous real-time motivation to quit pre- and post-quit. Recent smoking was negatively related to motivation to quit after the quit day, but not pre-quit. Withdrawal symptoms and positive smoking expectancies were not significantly related to motivation to quit. Withdrawal exposure treatment also did not show a significant effect on motivation. More research is needed to assess the effect of fluctuations in motivation on cessation success. KW - Psychology KW - Smoking cessation KW - Motivation (Psychology) LA - eng ER -