The effect of mindfulness on smoking cessation

Smoking cessation is a major life stressor that has many consequences, including persistent negative affect.

Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston report their findings.

First, the details.

• The association between mindfulness and demographic variables, smoking history, dependence, and withdrawal severity was assessed in 158 smokers who were in a program to stop smoking.

And, the results.

• A lower level of mindfulness was associated with a higher level of nicotine dependence and withdrawal severity.
• The associations were maintained after controlling for key demographic variables.

The bottom line?

The researchers concluded that a “low level of mindfulness may be an important predictor of vulnerability to relapse among adult smokers preparing to quit.

Several years ago researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health reported, “Mindfulness training may show promise for smoking cessation and warrants additional study.”

2/21/10 21:59 JR