A multidimensional ecological momentary assessment analysis of relations among negative affect, craving, and smoking cesation failure

Cessation failure occurs when smokers lapse within 24 hours of initiating a quit attempt. Although avoiding cessation failure is the first milestone of successful smoking cessation, little is known about the risk factors that influence cessation failure. This study examined whether or not multiple dimensions of real-time ratings of pre-quit negative affect and craving differentiated cessation failures from quit day abstainers. We hypothesized that cessation failures would experience greater severity, accelerated growth, and higher volatility in negative affect and craving in the two weeks preceding the target quit day than would successful abstainers. Results indicated that cessation failures and quit day abstainers did not differ in pre-quit dimensions of negative affect and craving. Those who failed to quit, however, experienced a greater reduction in craving after smoking during the 24 hours and four days before the target quit day than did successful quitters. The contingency between smoking and craving relief may indicate cessation failure risk in a way that pre-quit negative affect and craving trajectories and volatility do not.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Vivian M Ye