David B Abrams

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. David Abrams' career focuses on systems and social learning frameworks to inform population health enhancement. He has experience in testing theory, research design, measuring mechanisms of behavior change and outcome, and evaluating clinical trials (behavioral and pharmacological). His interests span topics from basic bio-behavioral mechanisms and clinical treatments to policy across risk factors and behaviors (e.g. tobacco/nicotine; alcohol, obesity, co-morbidity of medical and mental health), disease states (cancer; cardiovascular; HIV-AIDS), levels (biological, individual, organizational, worksite, community, global, and internet based), populations and disparities. His interests converge in the domain of implementation science to cost-efficiently inform evidence-based public health practice and policymaking.

Through transdisciplinary and translational research strategies, Dr. Abrams provides scientific leadership in tobacco control. His current focus is in strengthening global and United States tobacco and nicotine management strategies. Deaths of 1 billion smokers are estimated by 2100 caused overwhelmingly by use of combustible (smoked) tobacco products, not nicotine. Harm minimization is a key overarching systems strategy to speed the net public health benefit of emergent disruptive technologies for cleaner nicotine delivery. The goal is more rapid elimination of preventable deaths, disease burdens, and the widening gap in health disparities driven disproportionately by disparities in smoking.

Dr. Abrams was a professor and founding director of the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Brown University Medical School. He then directed the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Until 2017, he was Professor of Health Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the founding Executive Director of the Schroeder National Institute of Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation).

Dr. Abrams has published over 250 peer reviewed scholarly articles and been a Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants. He is lead author of The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. He has served on expert panels at NIH and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Obesity, Alcohol Misuse and Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. He has also served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) and was President of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

For a complete list of Dr. Abrams' published work, click here.

Education

BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

MS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI

Honors and awards

Research Laureate Award, American Academy of Health Behavior (2014)

Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award for Tobacco Research, American Society for Preventive Oncology (2008)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Rutgers University, The Graduate School, New Brunswick, NJ (2007)

The Musiker-Miranda Distinguished Service Award, American Psychological Association (2006)

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Outstanding Research Mentor Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Book of the Year Award: Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook. American Journal of Nursing (2005)

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (1998)

Areas of research and study

Behavioral Science

Chronic Diseases

Evaluations

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Implementation science

Population Health

Public Health Pedagogy

Public Health Systems

Research Design

Systems Integration

Systems Interventions

Tobacco Control

Translational science

Publications

Publications

Restrictive workplace smoking policies : Impact on nonsmokers’ tobacco exposure

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Emmons, K. M., Abrams, D. B., Marshall, R. J., Kane, M., Novotny, T. E., & Etzel, R. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Journal of Public Health Policy

Volume

13

Issue

1

Page(s)

42-51

10.2307/3343057

Abstract

Abstract

The health consequences of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are well documented. Although nonsmokers are generally aware of the health risks of ETS exposure, the majority of nonsmokers are regularly exposed. The most common source of exposure is the workplace. Restrictive workplace smoking policies are being used as a primary means of reducing ETS exposure. However, few studies have focused on the relation between workplace policy and ETS exposure. We performed two studies which examined the relationship between smoking policy, self-reported ETS exposure, and salivary cotinine concentrations. Study 1, a pilot study, focused on a workplace-based sample of 106 volunteers; Study 2 examined exposure among 881 nonsmokers in workplace settings. In both studies, more restrictive workplace smoking policies were associated with a lower proportion of nonsmoking volunteers with detectable salivary cotinine. In Study 2, the larger study, the only other variable found to be significantly related to cotinine detection was the presence of smokers in the home. These results suggest that restrictive workplace smoking policies may reduce employees’ overall ETS exposure.

Smokers' reactions to interpersonal interaction and presentation of smoking cues

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., Pedraza, M., Monti, P. M., & Damaris J., R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

17

Issue

6

Page(s)

557-566

10.1016/0306-4603(92)90065-4

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined smokers' reactions to smoking cues and interpersonal interaction. Fifty-six smokers were assigned at random to the six cells of a factorial design which varied the level of interpersonal interaction (role play with a confederate vs. confederate absent) and the level of exposure to smoking cues (no cues vs. visual cues vs. visual plus olfactory cues). Measures of reactivity included changes from resting baseline on blood pressure, heart rate, self-reported smoking urge, and a measure of ad lib smoking behavior obtained after exposure to the experimental procedures. Results showed that blood pressure responses increased significantly from baseline only during the role play situation where the confiderate manipulated an unlic cigarette or smoked a cigarette in view of the subjects. Although not significant, heart rate changes paralleled blood pressure changes, but urge ratings showed a different pattern of response to the manipulations. The latency to smoking a cigarette after the experimental manipulations was unaffected by the cues. The results suggest that modelling of smoking by others and exposure to some kinds of smoking cues may increase cardiovascular activation.

Smoking and treatment outcome for alcoholics : Effects on coping skills, urge to drink, and drinking rates

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Rohsenow, D. J., Niaura, R. S., Pedraza, M., Longabaugh, R., Beattie, M. C., Binkoff, J. A., Noel, N. E., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Behavior Therapy

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page(s)

283-297

10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80386-7

Abstract

Abstract

The interrelationship between alcohol and tobacco addiction is beginning to receive more attention because it has conceptual and practical significance for understanding and treating addictive disorders. This investigation focuses on the effects of smoking on risk for relapse after alcoholism treatment. The relationships between smoking and: (1) alcohol consumption rate and dependence at pretreatment, (2) reactions to coping with alcohol high-risk-for-relapse role plays, and (3) alcohol treatment outcome were investigated. These relationships were studied first in a sample of male VA alcoholics (n=45) and then replicated and extended in a different sample from a private hospital (n=53 females, 110 males). Smoking and drinking rate, and smoking and alcohol dependence, were significantly correlated at pretreatment. Smokers with greater dependence on cigarettes (i.e., higher Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire scores; shorter latency to smoking first cigarette of the day) experienced significantly greater urge to drink, urge to smoke, difficulty, and anxiety in role plays of alcohol high-risk situations, independent of their pretreatment drinking rate or alcohol dependence. Smoking dependence did not predict mean number of drinks per day or frequency of drinking days during 6-month follow-up. In the private hospital sample, among alcoholics who drank at all during follow-up, the more dependent smokers drank more alcohol on drinking days than did the less dependent smokers. Implications for theory and treatment of addictive disorders are discussed.

The stages and processes of exercise adoption and maintenance in a worksite sample.

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Rossi, J. S., Selby, V. C., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association

Volume

11

Issue

6

Page(s)

386-395

10.1037/0278-6133.11.6.386

Abstract

Abstract

We applied the model of the stages and processes of change to exercise adoption and maintenance. This model has shown promise in advancing theory and treatment of the addictions and other negative health behaviors, but there have been few systematic attempts to apply the model to positive health behaviors, such as exercise adoption. Questionnaires dealing with the stages and processes of exercise change were developed and administered to a sample of 1,172 participants in a worksite health promotion project. The sample was split randomly into halves for (a) initial model development and testing and (b) confirmatory measurement model testing. Additional model confirmation was obtained by examining the hierarchical structure of the processes of change and by conducting Stage x Process analyses. Results suggest that the underlying constructs derived from smoking cessation and other addictive behaviors can be generalized to exercise behavior. Understanding the stages and processes of exercise behavior change may yield important information for enhancing exercise adoption, adherence, and relapse prevention at both individual and public health levels.

Using the stages of change model to increase the adoption of physical activity among community participants

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Banspach, S. W., Lefebvre, R. C., Rossi, J. S., Carleton, R. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Journal title

American Journal of Health Promotion

Volume

6

Issue

6

Page(s)

424-429

10.4278/0890-1171-6.6.424

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose. This study examined the use of the stages of change model to design an exercise intervention for community volunteers. Design. The 'Imagine Action' campaign was a community-wide event incorporating the involvement of local worksites and community agencies. Community members registering for the campaign were enrolled in a six-week intervention program designed to encourage participation in physical activity. Subjects. Six hundred and ten adults aged 18 to 82 years old enrolled in the program. Seventy-seven percent of the participants were female and the average age was 41.8 years (SD = 13.8). Setting. The campaign was conducted in a city with a population of approximately 72,000 and was promoted throughout community worksites, area schools, organizations, and local media channels. Measures. One question designed to assess current stage of exercise adoption was included on the campaign registration form as were questions about subject name, address, telephone number, birthdate, and gender. Intervention. The intervention included written materials designed to encourage participants to initiate or increase physical activity, a resource manual describing activity options in the community, and weekly 'fun walks' and 'activity nights.' Results. A Stuart-Maxwell test for correlated proportions revealed that subjects were significantly more active after the six-week intervention. Sixty-two percent of participants in Contemplation became more active while 61% in Preparation became more active. Conclusions. Most participants increased their stage of exercise adoption during the six-week intervention. This study provides preliminary support for use of the stages of change model in designing exercise interventions.

A bioinformational systems perspective on tobacco dependence

Abrams, D., NIAURA, R. S., GOLDSTEIN, M., & ABRAMS, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

British Journal of Addiction

Volume

86

Issue

5

Page(s)

593-597

10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01814.x

Abstract

Abstract

Recent thinking about tobacco dependence has been influenced largely by a focus on the pharmacological effects of nicotine. We advocate a return to earlier views of dependence as comprising both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological aspects. Moreover, we suggest that it may be profitable to reformulate research on dependence in terms of a bioinformational process model. The basic tenets of such a model are outlined, as are the challenges in exploring the nature of dependence simultaneously across the cognitive, physiological and behavioral domains of function.

Alcohol abusers' and social drinkers' responses to alcohol-relevant and general situations

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Binkoff, J. A., Zwick, W. R., Liepman, M. R., Nirenberg, T. D., Munroe, S. M., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

52

Issue

5

Page(s)

409-414

10.15288/jsa.1991.52.409

Abstract

Abstract

Responses of alcohol abusers and social drinkers were compared on general and alcohol-specific problem situations using role-play methodology. Multiple responses were assessed including behavioral observational ratings, self-reports and psychophysiologic measures. There were few differences between groups in responses to the general situations. Alcohol abusers had higher urges to drink than did the social drinkers in both the general and the alcohol-specific situations. However, in response to the alcohol-specific situations, the alcohol abusers, compared to the social drinkers, were rated by judges as significantly less skillful, and they displayed more self-reported anxiety, had a higher frequency of occurrence of problem situations in the natural environment and reported greater perceived realism of the alcohol-specific situations. Psychophysiologic measures did not differentiate between the groups. Results are discussed with respect to the importance of situation specificity in understanding the precipitants of drinking and their treatment implications.

Behavioral techniques in the management of nicotine dependence

Brown, R., Emmons, K., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). (J. Cocores, Ed.).

Publication year

1991

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cue reactivity in addictive behaviors : Theoretical and treatment implications

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Childress, A. R., Monti, P. M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

International Journal of the Addictions

Volume

25

Issue

7-8 A

Page(s)

957-993

10.3109/10826089109071030

Abstract

Abstract

Several learning theory based models propose that substance users may have conditioned reactions to stimuli (cues) associated with substance use and that these reactions may increase the probability of relapse. The conditioned withdrawal, conditioned compensatory response, and appetitive motivational models were evaluated in light of empirical evidence from cue reactivity studies with alcoholics, smokers, opiate users, and cocaine users. The nature of the stimuli that elicit reactivity and the nature of the responses elicited are most consistent with an appetitive motivational model and do not appear to support the other two models. A few studies have been conducted or are underway that investigate the use of cue exposure with response prevention as a treatment to decrease cue reactivity. Preliminary work with alcoholics, opiate users and cocaine users is promising but insufficient evidence exists to evaluate this approach. The implications for theory and treatment are discussed.

Cue reactivity in addictive behaviors: Theoretical and clinical implications

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D., Niaura, R. S., Childress, A., Abrams, D. S., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

International Journal of the Addictions

Volume

25

Page(s)

957-994

Abstract

Abstract

~

Effectiveness of three types of spouse‐involved behavioral alcoholism treatment

Abrams, D., McCRADY, B. S., STOUT, R., NOEL, N., ABRAMS, D. S., & NELSON, H. F. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

British Journal of Addiction

Volume

86

Issue

11

Page(s)

1415-1424

10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01727.x

Abstract

Abstract

Treatment was provided to 45 alcoholics and their spouses in one of three out‐patient behavioral treatment conditions: (1) minimal spouse involvement (MSI) (n = 14), (2) alcohol‐focused spouse involvement (AFSI) (n=12), or (3) alcohol‐focused spouse involvement plus behavioral marital therapy (ABMT) (n = 19). Subjects were followed for 18 months after treatment. Subjects in all conditions reported significant decreases in frequency of drinking and frequency of heavy drinking, and reported increased life satisfaction. This information was corroborated by independent reports of the spouses. Patterns of outcome varied across the three treatment conditions, with ABMT subjects showing gradual improvement in proportions of abstinent days and abstinent plus light drinking days over the last 9 months of follow‐up. Subjects in the other two treatment conditions showed gradual deterioration in proportion of abstinent days and abstinent plus light drinking days. Subjects assigned to the ABMT condition were less likely to experience marital separations, and reported greater improvement in marital satisfaction and subjective well‐being than the other experimental groups. Clinical and theoretical significance of these findings are discussed.

Medical and behavioral treatment of nicotine dependence

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Fogel, Eds.).

Publication year

1991

Abstract

Abstract

~

Medical and behavioral treatment of nicotine dependence: Nicotine as a drug of abuse

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Fogel, Eds.).

Publication year

1991

Page(s)

541-596

Abstract

Abstract

~

Patient-treatment matching for alcoholic men in communication skills versus cognitive-behavioral mood management training

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Binkoff, J. A., Liepman, M. R., Nirenberg, T. D., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

1-2

Page(s)

63-69

10.1016/0306-4603(91)90041-F

Abstract

Abstract

It would be helpful to be able to predict which alcoholics will be more likely to benefit from specific forms of treatment in order to optimize treatment resources. Certain hypothesized patient-treatment matching predictions were investigated with 52 alcoholics who received either communication skills training or cognitive behavioral mood management training in addition to a standard Veterans Administration inpatient alcoholism treatment program. Significant interaction effects showed that alcoholics had worse treatment outcomes in mood management training if they had higher initial anxiety or urge to drink in high-risk role plays or lower education. No significant interaction of treatment with irrational beliefs or marital status was found. Communication skills training seemed to be equally effective for alcoholics at any educational level, irrespective of initial coping skill, anxiety, urge to drink, alcohol dependence, or marital status. Thus, although mood management training seems to be as effective as communication skills training for alcoholics with higher education, less anxiety, and less urge to drink, communication skills training benefits a broader spectrum of patients, regardless of initial level of education, alcohol dependence, skill, anxiety, or beliefs.

Self-Efficacy in Weight Management

Abrams, D., Clark, M. M., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., Eaton, C. A., & Rossi, J. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

59

Issue

5

Page(s)

739-744

10.1037/0022-006X.59.5.739

Abstract

Abstract

Self-efficacy is an important mediating mechanism in advancing understanding of the treatment of obesity. This study developed and validated the Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire (WEL), improving on previous studies by the use of clinical populations, cross-validation of the initial factor analysis, exploration of the best fitting theoretical model of self-efficacy, and examination of change in treatment. The resulting 20-item WEL consists of five situational factors: Negative Emotions, Availability, Social Pressure, Physical Discomfort, and Positive Activities. A hierarchical model was found to provide the best fit to the data. Results from two separate clinical treatment studies (total N = 382) show that the WEL is sensitive to changes in global scores as well as to a subset of the five situational factor scores. Treatment programs may be incomplete if they change only a subset of the situational dimensions of self-efficacy. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

The Contemplation Ladder : validation of a measure of readiness to consider smoking cessation.

Abrams, D., Biener, L., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association

Volume

10

Issue

5

Page(s)

360-365

10.1037/0278-6133.10.5.360

Abstract

Abstract

Presents evidence for the validity of the Contemplation Ladder, a measure of readiness to consider smoking cessation. Analyses of data collected from more than 400 smokers at two worksites before and during a 10-month intervention indicate that Ladder scores were significantly associated with reported intention to quit, number of previous quit attempts, perceived co-worker encouragement to quit, and socioeconomic status. Ladder scores predicted subsequent participation in programs designed to educate workers about their smoking habit and its contingent risks. The Ladder did not predict biochemically validated abstinence of 24 hr or more. To assess its ability to distinguish between groups known a priori to differ in readiness, we administered the Ladder to 36 participants in a clinic-based smoking cessation program. As predicted, clinic patients scored significantly higher than the workers on the Ladder. The importance of distinguishing between smokers at the lowest stages of readiness to quit is discussed.

Tobacco dependence : An integration of individual and public health perspectives

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K. M., Niaura, R. S., Goldstein, M. G., & Sherman, C. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Annual Review of Addictions Research and Treatment

Volume

1

Issue

C

Page(s)

391-436

Abstract

Abstract

~

Usefulness of physical exercise for maintaining smoking cessation in women

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Albrecht, A. E., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., & Thompson, P. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

The American Journal of Cardiology

Volume

68

Issue

4

Page(s)

406-407

10.1016/0002-9149(91)90843-A

Abstract

Abstract

Successful smoking cessation is a problem for many smokers and the 1-year quit ratio among smokers is

Behavioral medicine strategies for medical patients

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Guise, B., Ruggiero, L., Raciti, M., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire, Ed.).

Publication year

1990

Page(s)

609-629

Abstract

Abstract

~

Communication skills training, communication skills training with family and cognitive behavioral mood management training for alcoholics

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Abrams, D. B., Binkoff, J. A., Zwick, W. R., Liepman, M. R., Nirenberg, T. D., & Rohsenow, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

51

Issue

3

Page(s)

263-270

10.15288/jsa.1990.51.263

Abstract

Abstract

To evaluate three promising social learning approaches to the treatment of alcholism, 69 male alcoholics in standard inpatient treatment participated in either a communication skills training group (CST), a communication skills training group with family participation (CSTF) or a cognitive behavioral mood management training group (CBMMT). Alcoholics who received CST or CSTF drank significantly less alcohol per drinking day during 6-month follow-up than those in CBMMT. The groups did not differ in abstinence rates or latency to relapse. All groups improved in skill and anxiety on the extensive battery of process measures, including role-play tests of general and alcohol-specific coping skills, but those in CST improved most in skill in alcohol-specific high-risk role plays and in ability to relax after the role plays. Alcoholics' skill, specific role plays were highly correlated with treatment outcome, demonstrating the importance of including comprehensive process measures in treatment outcome research. Implications for patient-treatment matching and future research are discussed.

Reducing the risk of cancer through worksite intervention

Abrams, D., Heimendinger, J., Thompson, B., Ockene, J., Sorensen, G., Abrams, D. S., Emmons, K., Varnes, J., Eriksen, M. P., Probart, C., & Himmelstein, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Occupational medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

707-723

Abstract

Abstract

This chapter examines existing activities reported in the literature in the areas of smoking, nutrition, and screening; explores the prominent theories of behavior change that have guided some of these activities; and presents a model for worksite cancer prevention programs that is currently being tested in a large trial. A major theme of this chapter is the need for simultaneous changes in individual behaviors and the worksite environment. For each factor (smoking, nutrition, and screening) the discussion is divided into interventions for individuals and those for the environment or organization.

A comparative evaluation of a restrictive smoking policy in a general hospital

Abrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

79

Issue

2

Page(s)

192-195

10.2105/AJPH.79.2.192

Abstract

Abstract

The impact of a restrictive smoking policy on the behavior and attitudes of smokers and non-smokers was assessed by surveying random cross-sectional samples of hospital employees before, six months after and 12 months after the policy was implemented, and comparing responses with those of empolyees of a hospital with no restrictive policy. Effectiveness of policy implementation was also evaluated. Results indicated that the policy was well-publicized and was approved by virtually all the non-smokers and the majority of the smokers. Following implementation, employees in the smoking policy hospital were less likely to report being bothered by smoke at their work stations than were employees of the comparison hospital. Six months and one year after the policy change, smokers reported lower smoking rates while at work, although quit smoking rates and home smoking rates were similar in both hospitals.

A comparative evaluation of a restrictive smoking policy in a general hospital

Abrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Journal of Health Promotion

Volume

3

Issue

4

Page(s)

57

Abstract

Abstract

~

Debunking Myths About Self-Quitting : Evidence From 10 Prospective Studies of Persons Who Attempt to Quit Smoking by Themselves

Abrams, D., Cohen, S., Lichtenstein, E., Prochaska, J. O., Rossi, J. S., Gritz, E. R., Carr, C. R., Orleans, C. T., Schoenbach, V. J., Biener, L., Abrams, D. S., DiClemente, C., Curry, S., Marlatt, G. A., Cummings, K. M., Emont, S. L., Giovino, G., & Ossip-Klein, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Psychologist

Volume

44

Issue

11

Page(s)

1355-1365

10.1037/0003-066X.44.11.1355

Abstract

Abstract

This article examines data from 10 longterm prospective studies (N > 5,000) in relation to key issues about the self-quitting of smoking, especially those discussed by Schachter. When a single attempt to quit was evaluated, self-quitters' success rates were no better than those reported for formal treatment programs. Light smokers (20 or less cigarettes per day) were 2.2 times more likely to quit than heavy smokers. The cyclical nature of quitting was also examined. There was a moderate rate (mdn = 2.7%) of long-term quitting initiated after the early months (expected quitting window) of these studies, but also a high rate (mdn = 24%) of relapsing for persons abstinent for six months. The number of previous unsuccessful quit attempts was unrelated to success in quitting. Finally, there were few occasional smokers (slips) among successful long-term quitters. We argue that quitting smoking is a dynamic process, not a discrete event.

Effects of behavioral skills training and schedule of nicotine gum administration on smoking cessation

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M. G., Niaura, R., Follick, M. J., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Journal of Psychiatry

Volume

146

Issue

1

Page(s)

56-60

10.1176/ajp.146.1.56

Abstract

Abstract

Eighty-nine smokers were randomly assigned to four nicotine gum treatments for smoking cessation: behavioral treatment plus a fixed schedule of nicotine gum, behavioral treatment plus an ad lib schedule, education plus a fixed schedule, and education plus an ad lib schedule. The four treatment conditions produced similar rates of abstinence (40.9% to 58.3%) at the end of 11 weeks of treatment. However, at 6-month follow-up, the subjects who had received behavioral treatment had a significantly better abstinence rate (36.7%) than those receiving education (17.5%). Nicotine gum schedule had no effect on treatment outcome.