Effects of gender in social control of smoking cessation

Health Psychol. 2002 Jul;21(4):368-76. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.21.4.368.

Abstract

This study of 93 men and 117 women smokers during an ongoing quit attempt examined the roles of gender and social network influences on quitting. For men, social influences appeared to positively affect their ability to reduce their smoking but were less effective for women. Specifically, increased reports of a spouse or partner's influence, and family and friends' influence, were associated with greater reductions in men's smoking 2 days and 4 months post quit date, respectively. In contrast, for women, greater reports of spouse or partner influence and of family and friends' influence were associated with smaller reductions in smoking. Sex differences in social control strategies and perceived autonomy supportiveness of those strategies are discussed as possible explanations for these results.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology*
  • Social Control, Informal*
  • Social Support*
  • Spouses / psychology