Background. Theoretically-based interventions are necessary for enhancing the power of self-control behaviors in smokers attempting to quit smoking cigarettes. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of guided imagery and relaxation techniques as interventions for smoking cessation. The relationship of imagery and self-control was also examined. Methods. A convenience sample of 84 adult smokers participated in one of three treatment conditions: power imagery (n = 28), relaxation imagery (n =29), and “placebo” control (n = 27). Treatment group members were taught imagery during a six-session smoking cessation program, and the control group was provided imagery training upon study completion. Results. Smoking quit rates were 67% for the power imagery group, 69 % for the relaxation group, and 27% for the control group. At a three-month follow-up, the power imagery group had a continued abstinence rate of 52 % (relapse rate = 48 %), the relaxation group had an abstinence rate of 55% (relapse rate = 45 %), and the control group cessation rate remained at 27% (relapse rate = 73%). One-way and repeated measures MANOVAs demonstrated significant differences among the three groups at posttreatment, F (8, 158) = 13.92, p < .05, and revealed that the practice of imagery treatments over time produced changes in power test scores and smoking rates, F(3, 127) = 24.67, p < .05. Discussion. This study demonstrated that power and relaxation imagery treatments were equally effective in reducing smoking rates. Further investigations into the therapeutic uses of imagery are recommended.
Self-control depletion and nicotine deprivation as precipitants of smoking cessation failure: A human laboratory model.
