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Nothing the limited understanding of group dynamics among health reseachers using corrective group, this papers proposes that a number of principles already estalished in the field of small groups might be used facilite the processes of comformity and social control in correctve groups. An exploratory experiment designed to test the effects of several group charactiristics was conducted wth smoking cessation group. The experiment, with smoker wishing to quit, included four conditions: one with experimeter attention; a second with attention and simple group environment; a commitment, and goal interdependence. it was hypothesized that pressures toward comformity and control would increase with the addition of each successive characteristics, and that smoking reduction among the conditions would be ordered along this pressure dimension. The results of the experiment support the hypothesis; smoking reduction increased directly for use in corrective groups are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relative importance of two independent variables, age and an interpersonal factor, for the dependent variable, smoking cessation. From the literature it was shown that affective interpersonal factors play an important role in the taking up of smoking on the part of the young. It was then hypothesized that affectivity as measured by the interpersonal factor and age will also have an independent and a combined effect on smoking cessation due to age-related changes in affective orientation. The analysis of a national probability sample tended to support the hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health cost of smoking in Britain, the national response to the problem and the reasons for failure to control it more effectively are discussed. A future anti-smoking strategy should hinge on the two interacting key factors that maintain smoking, the dependence factor and the favourable social climate. Any tactic or measure that diminishes the effect of either of these factors should also diminish smoking. In the absence of an effective treatment applicable to large numbers of dependent smokers and with lack of fundamental knowledge of the nature of dependence, our ability to overcome the dependence factor is at present rather limited. But much could be done to intensify research in this area. On the other hand, the engineering of a change of social climate to one less favourably disposed towards smoking is quite feasible and potentially highly effective. This would, however, require a co-ordinated sustained intervention on a national scale, with a multi-disciplinary organizing committee closely backed by the Government with adequate financial and legislative support. It would not be sufficient merely to curb commercial promotion of cigarettes; but it would be necessary to accompany this with anti-smoking propaganda of a commercial advertising type and scale Continuous evaluation and public reaction monitoring would be required to ensure maximal efficacy of such tactics as selective tax increases, tighter control of sales outlets and restriction of smoking in public places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a method of smoking reduction based on the theory that smoking is a learned habit controlled by specific environmental cues. To break the connection between these cues and the smoking response, the method requires the individual to smoke on a new cue, presented at random times by a portable signaling device. The substitute cue is initially set at the smoker's normal rate and then gradually phased out. Results of a study to test the feasibility of the method indicate that people can follow the program and reduce their smoking without other forms of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental design based on 2208 participants tested delayed efficacy of printed and novelty material for dissuading university students from smoking. Data from questionnaires completed 16 to 18 months following an anti-smoking campaign indicated some small deterrent effects among those exposed vs. those in the control group. Thus a slight sleeper effect was found among these university lower-classmen whose responses during the semester immediately following the experiment had shown no significant change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relapse rate in addiction programs. The article adds that the resumption of smoking or the relapse rate over time for a group of people who had successfully completed a treatment program and given up smoking conforms to a negatively accelerated, typical "extinction" curve such as those presented in the article. The lack of uniformity in reported follow-up data, plus the common sources of contamination in the different techniques themselves suggest that the field is not ready as yet for sophisticated evaluative methods.