Research article summary (published 25 Jun 2005):

Tobacco chippers report diminished autonomy over smoking.

Full Abstract

We assessed tobacco chippers (n=35) for symptoms of diminished autonomy over tobacco use, which begins when symptoms present a barrier to smoking cessation. Although they reported each of the symptoms measured by the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist, chippers' level of autonomy was generally higher than that of regular smokers and their symptom intensity was low. The rank order of symptom prevalence in chippers and regular smokers was similar, and 40% of chippers had failed at least one cessation attempt. Only 23% of chippers reported full autonomy over their smoking. Although chippers may not warrant a dependence diagnosis, they may benefit from help with cessation. Autonomy over smoking may be a more useful basis than cigarette consumption rates for classifying smokers.

Author information

Author/s: Wellman, Robert J (RJ); DiFranza, Joseph R (JR); Wood, Constance (C);

Affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Worcester 01655, United States. Robert.Wellman(-atsign-)umassmed.edu

Grants: R01 DA14666-02 (Agency:NIDA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Addictive behaviors (Addict Behav), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Apr; vol 31 (issue 4) : pp 717-21

Dates: Created 2006/03/27; Completed 2006/12/05; Revised 2007/12/03;

PMID: 15979812, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Adult Behavior, Addictive - psychology Female Humans Male Middle Aged

Middle Aged Motivation Personal Autonomy Smoking - psychology Smoking Cessation - psychology Social Behavior Tobacco Use Disorder - psychology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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