Contextual Factors Associated With Temptations and Lapses Among Smokers Trying to Quit

Abstract: People who try to quit smoking might relapse depending on certain contextual factors (e.g., drinking coffee). Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to investigate contextual factors during temptation and lapse episodes. Contextual factors included what participants did (activities), who they were with (social environment), and where they were (location). Participants ( N = 103) were smokers motivated to quit within three months. The EMA protocol ( N EMA = 6,457) began on a self-determined quit day and lasted 14 days. Generalized linear mixed models were performed to assess the association between each contextual factor and temptations and lapses. Various contextual factors were positively associated with temptations (e.g., sexual intercourse) and lapses (e.g., being outdoors) relative to random assessments. Lapses relative to temptations were mainly associated with social contextual factors (e.g., being with friends). How contextual factors can be addressed in (just-in-time) relapse prevention interventions should be the focus of future studies.