Social support and smoking cessation and maintenance

Abstract Examined the role of social support in smoking cessation and maintenance in 2 longitudinal, prospective studies with 64 Ss each (mean ages 38.4 yrs and 38.8 yrs). Three kinds of support factors were assessed: support from a partner directly related to quitting, perceptions of the availability of general (i.e., nonsmoking) support resources, and the presence of smokers in Ss' social networks. Ss were smokers in cessation programs. Corroborated smoking status was obtained through 12 mo posttreatment. There was evidence for all 3 support factors, but they operated at different points in the process of cessation and maintenance. High levels of partner support and of the perceived availability of general support were associated with cessation and with short-term (to 3 mo posttreatment) maintenance of abstinence. The presence of smokers in Ss' social networks was a hindrance to maintenance and significantly differentiated between relapsers and long-term (12-mo) abstainers.