Predicting Smoking Cessation: The influence of sociocognitive and social influence variables, health campaign exposure, and interpersonal communication

Differences between the determinants of smoking cessation intention, initiation, and maintenance were studied using longitudinal data from a six-wave prospective survey among an initial sample of 3,373 smokers that was representative of the Dutch smoker population. Included were variables derived from the theory of planned behavior extended with self-identity and social influence variables such as descriptive norms. Smoking cessation intention is more positive if smokers have a stronger quitting identity and more positive attitude. Cessation initiation is most strongly predicted by intention and quitting identity. Self-efficacy has no direct effect on intention and initiation, but it is an important determinant of cessation maintenance. Also, relapse is more likely if more friends and relatives smoke. Exposure to antismoking campaigns also has effects on cessation behavior, primarily in the campaign period. Finally, our results show that campaign exposure stimulates interpersonal communication that in turn influences the determinants of smoking cessation.