Psychosocial stress and coping in smokers who relapse or quit.

Relapse remains a major problem in successful smoking cessation. This study evaluated selected responses and coping skills in male and female quitters and relapsers in four situational contexts: general social competence, smoking-specific "high-risk-for-relapse" situations, social anxiety, and relaxation. Results showed that quitters coped better than relapsers with intrapersonal (e.g., negative mood) smoking-specific situations. Quitters had lower heart rates than relapsers during relaxation and intrapersonal situations and had lower anxiety scores at the end of the procedures. Women showed more stress and less confidence in their ability to cope than did men. Groups did not differ in responses to the general social competence and social anxiety procedures. Results are discussed in the context of the importance of considering individual differences in responses and in coping skills for treatment and relapse prevention for smokers.