Findings You Can Use

Gerrard, M., Gibbons, F. X., Lane, D. J., & Stock, M. L. (2005). Smoking cessation: social comparison level predicts success for adult smokers. Health Psychology, 24(6), 623-629.

[Link to full article - (138KB)]

Abstract: The affiliation preferences of 151 adult heavy smokers who joined smoking cessation groups were assessed at the 1st group session and were then used to predict their smoking status 6 and 12 months later. Those who preferred to be in groups with other smokers who were having relatively little trouble quitting were more likely to be successful than were those who preferred others who were having more difficulty quitting. This prospective effect was mediated by psychological distancing from the image of the typical smoker: Preference for others who were doing well was associated with a decrease in perceived similarity to the typical smoker, which, in turn, was associated with successful cessation.

Major Findings:

• Cessation participants comparing themselves with other smokers who are having trouble quitting (having a low comparison level) have higher likelihood of relapse.
• Cessation participants comparing themselves with other smokers who are doing well (having a high comparison level) have higher likelihood of success.
• Smokers who begin cessation groups with either a favorable social image of the typical smoker or a low comparison level are more likely to relapse.
• Smokers who begin cessation groups with either an unfavorable social image of the typical smoker or a high comparison level are more likely to succeed.