Smoking modification : the effects of combining positive and aversive treatment and maintenance procedures

This study was concerned with the effects of several combinations of positive and negative treatment and maintenance procedures on the smoking level of subjects. Forty-seven subjects were assigned randomly to either a positive treatment, aversive treatment or no treatment control group. Subjects in the positive treatment group met four times during a two-week period. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes. Subjects were requested to keep a diary of their smoking behavior and record the situations most conducive to smoking. Self-control procedures designed to reduce smoking in high probability situations were discussed. Subjects were paired for the purpose of peer reinforcement. Both members of the pair were encouraged to provide assistance for each other during the treatment phase of the study. Lists of positive outcomes associated with nonsmoking were to be read prior to engaging in some high probability behavior. A total of twelve statements was provided. Subjects were advised to divide their waking hours into quarters and reduce smoking level during the quarter most conducive to smoking. Smoking during subsequent quarters was to be reduced during the study