Results suggest that smoking prevention can be achieved in junior high school by using older peers as models and teachers, and a student centered curriculum using role rehearsal and public commitment. (Author/DB)

A survey of 34 New England colleges reveals that college women are more likely to smoke than are college men. (JD)

Provides an annotated filmography of films that present the hazards of smoking. (TJ)

The report presents a behavioral scientist's perspective on the problem of preventing smoking and other self-destructive behaviors in adolescents. Journal availability: see EC 114 125. (CL)

Studies of smoking relapse and temptation have relied on retrospective recall and confounded between- and within-subject variability. Real-time data on temptations and lapses to smoke were gathered using palm-top computers in 108 ex-smokers. Made within-subject comparisons of initial lapse, a temptation episode, and base rate data obtained through…

Describes a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach to help teenagers better manage life stressors by using effective and adaptive coping skills, while identifying and addressing specific factors that lead either to smoking or maintaining abstinence from smoking behavior. Discusses specific group exercises that empower teens to take control of…

Examines the impact of experiential exercises, combined with a traditional smoking cessation intervention, on quit rates and social learning theory variables known to impact smoking cessation. Measures of self-efficacy and locus of control did not significantly differ between the experimental and control conditions. Quit rates did not differ…

Examined peer-reviewed research on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and tobacco cessation and prevention. Results found growing evidence for the TTM's validity as applied to tobacco use, though the evidence was inconclusive. Eight different staging mechanisms were identified, raising the question of which are most valid and reliable. Interventions…

Examined influence of situational characteristics and coping on outcome of relapse crisis for 232 subjects followed for 1 month after self-initiated attempt at smoking cessation. Survival of a relapse crisis was most strongly related to the number of coping strategies used, rather than to their type (cognitive or behavioral). Results are discussed…

Prospectively examined caloric intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), leisure time physical activity, and sensitivity and preference for sweet taste in seven female smokers during normal smoking, complete cessation, and resumption of smoking. Findings suggest that smoking cessation may cause rapid change in energy balance which is quickly reversed…

Demonstrated effectiveness of computer-delivered smoking cessation program for worksite. Veterans Administration Medical Center employees (N=58) were assigned to computer group or contest-only group. Computer group showed nonsignificantly higher abstinence rates across follow-up, had marginally lower carbon monoxide levels at 3- and 6- month…

Analyzed smoking behavior and peer group patterns among 1,689 eighth graders. Found that peer groups were crucially important in initiation of smoking among young adolescents, particularly females. Patterns of indirect peer influence on girls suggest that girls are less likely to stop smoking once they have begun than are boys. (Author/NB)

Multiple regression analyses on data from 421 children indicated that mother's use of more than 1.5 ounces (approximately three drinks) of alcohol per day during pregnancy was significantly related to average IQ decrement at four years of age of almost five IQ points even after adjustment for numerous variables. Readers cautioned against using…

Followed 153 smokers who attempted to quit smoking without treatment. Nineteen percent were abstinent at two-year follow-up. Use of multiple strategies was associated with two-year abstinence. Variables associated with short-term cessation were generally unrelated to long-term outcome, although strong motivation to quit was important for both…

Reviews the efficacy of maintenance enhancement procedures to prevent relapse in smoking cessation, weight control, and exercise programs. Presents models of maintenance enhancement, reviews studies that have used relapse prevention strategies, and discusses ways of incorporating relapse prevention techniques into health promotion programs.…