Transitions in Smokers Social Networks After Quit Attempts: A Latent Transition Analysis

Conclusions:
In the years following a smoking-cessation attempt, smokers’ social networks changed, and abstinence status predicted these changes. Networks defined by high levels of exposure to smokers were especially associated with continued smoking. Abstinence, however, predicted transitions to larger social networks comprising less smoking exposure. These results support treatments that aim to reduce exposure to smoking cues and smokers, including partners who smoke.

Implications:
Prior research has shown that social network features predict the likelihood of subsequent smoking cessation. The current research illustrates how successful quitting predicts social network change over 3 years following a quit attempt. Specifically, abstinence predicts transitions to networks that are larger and afford less exposure to smokers. This suggests that quitting smoking may expand a person’s social milieu rather than narrow it. This effect, plus reduced exposure to smokers, may help sustain abstinence.

Source: Nicotine and Tobacco Research - November 9, 2016 Category: Addiction Authors: Bray, B. C., Smith, R. A., Piper, M. E., Roberts, L. J., Baker, T. B. Tags: Original Investigation Source Type: research