What is the Most Effective Way to Kick the Nastiest, Filthiest Habit? A Presentation for Psychology 2023 By Tara Ricketts & Paul Todd

Our Goal k We wanted to determine what smoking cessation method was most effective among our peers at Acadia University. k The methods were: The “patch”, nicotine replacement gum, cold turkey, support group, or family and friend encouragement and support.

Our Hypothesis k After doing some research, it was our hypothesis that: k The most effective method is family and friend support. k The more attempts a person makes at quitting, the more successful they are likely to be.

Research Review k Cohen and Lichtenstein (1990) found “that persons whose partners reportedly supported their efforts to quit smoking were more likely to quit smoking and maintain abstinence”.

Participants k Students at Acadia University. (Smokers and those who have already quit.) k Sample of 40 people, 16 females, 24 males. k Ranging in age from

Materials k “Smoking Behaviors Questionnaire” by Ricketts & Todd, (2000). Contains 17 questions about smoking behaviors. k Consent and debriefing form. k Pens and pencils.

Procedure k Approached students around campus and inquired as to their smoking histories. k Students who matched the criteria that we were looking for were asked to complete the Smoking Behaviors Questionnaire. k Asked them to read and sign consent form prior to filling out questionnaire.

Procedure cont’d... k COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY! k After completion of the survey, participants were given debriefing forms in case they chose to make further inquiries.

Results k The ONLY significant relationship found was that between attempts made at quitting and method used. k X(32 N = 40 )=.00, p<.05; phi,  =.00. k This means that the people who tried to quit using the “cold turkey” method also made the most attempts at quitting.

Results cont’d... k Neither hypothesis was supported! 