RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MOOD AROUND SLIP-UP AND RECOVERY OF ABSTINENCE IN SMOKING CESSATION ATTEMPTS

Abstract

Data are presented from 201 slip-up episodes in attempts at smoking cessation. Analysis as a function of whether the person recovered and resumed abstinence broadly confirmed previous findings. Emotions immediately before and after the slip-up episode were assessed, as were feelings about having slipped-up. Feeling bad prior to the slip-up cigarette was associated with reduced recovery. By contrast, reporting that the slip-up cigarette made the person feel worse was associated with increased recovery. Feeling bad about slipping-up was not associated with relapse, contrary to predictions from Marlatt and Gordon's theorizing about the Abstinence Violation Effect.