The Contribution of Positive Affect and Loneliness on Readiness and Self-efficacy to quit smoking among Spanish-Speaking Mexican American Smokers

Authors

• Tatiana Londoño
• John R. Moore
• Zully C. Guerra, University of Texas at Austin
• Nazanin M. Heydarian, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Yessenia Castro, University of Texas at Austin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Background: The existing research on affective and interpersonal determinants of smoking cessation largely under-represents minority smokers, such as Latinos.

Objective: The current study examined associations between affective and interpersonal factors with intermediary smoking cessation variables among Mexican-American smokers (N = 290; 60% male).

Methods: Measures of positive and negative affect, social support, and loneliness were each examined for associations with measures of motivational readiness to quit smoking, and smoking abstinence self-efficacy. Significant predictors were entered into models simultaneously to examine their unique associations. Covariates included gender, age, and educational attainment.

Results: Negative affect (b = .68, SE b = .14, p < .001) and loneliness (b = .20, SE b = .09, p < .05) were independently associated with motivation. Negative affect (b = .20, SE b = .06, p < .01) and positive affect (b = .34 SE b = .07, p < .001) were independently associated with self-efficacy. In the final models, only negative affect was associated with motivation (b = .68, SE b = .17, p < .001); whereas negative (b = .17, SE b = .06, p < .01) and positive (b = . 32, SE b = .07, p < .001) affect were associated with self-efficacy.

Conclusion: Results highlight the importance of resilience factors (e.g., positive affect) among Mexican-American smokers. Cessation interventions regularly target negative affect among smokers; additional focus on positive affect in cessation interventions with this population may be warranted.

Recommended Citation

Londoño, T., Moore, J. R., Guerra, Z. C., Heydarian, N. M., & Castro, Y. (2022). The contribution of positive affect and loneliness on readiness and self-efficacy to quit smoking among Spanish-speaking Mexican American smokers. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 48(1), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2021.1998513

Publication Title

The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse

DOI

10.1080/00952990.2021.1998513