Testing the Social Cognitive model of fear in smoking cessation

Abstract

Background Fear is an emotion that probably has been essential in human survival. The emotion of fear is based on the appraisal of an impending negative outcome. In health psychology fear is the primary drive to behave healthy. In this study the role of fear in smoking cessation is addressed using the Social Cognitive model of Fear. Methods In three cohorts of smokers T1 fear is used to quitting activity during a period of 7 to 9 months. In a cohort of ex-smokers, T1 fear is used to predict relapse over a period of 7 months. Besides fear, expected outcomes of quitting and self-efficacy were assessed. Findings The results show that fear at T1 significantly predicted later quitting activity in smokers. When controlling for expected outcomes and self-efficacy, the relation remained significant. However, in ex-smokers fear significantly predicted relapse. Discussion Fear is an essential emotion in stimulating spontaneous quit attempts, but in ex-smokers fear seems to undermine abstinence. In fear-appeals fear must be carefully targeted and dosed.