Smoking Relapse Situations: A Preliminary Typology

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary attempt to develop a typology of smoking relapse episodes based on cluster analysis. Descriptions of relapse or near-relapse episodes were collected from 183 ex-smokers. Cluster analysis of 53 cases revealed five clusters in two groups distinguished by a positive (Type I) versus negative (Type II) affective tone. Type la situations involve drinking alcohol with others who are smoking. Type lb situations are associated with relaxation. Type Ic episodes are associated with withdrawal symptoms. Type Ha situations involve anxiety related to work stress. Type lib episodes occur when the ex-smoker is inactive and bored. Type la situations are associated with less behavioral coping and more relapse than the others.