Full Description
This work contributes to the scholarly literature on stages of change. Analysis indicates that four of the psychosocial scales--health beliefs, attitudes towards health, self-efficacy, and mental distress--differed by the stages of change toward smoking cessation. More importantly, this work specifies particular psychosocial characteristics that are of significance depending on the woman's readiness to quit smoking. Preface; This book presents an opportunity of the author to make a significant scholarly contribution to the smoking cessation literature. This work represents the essential first step of focusing on those primary characteristics of the pregnant woman which present barriers to the smoking cessation process. Dr. Henry specifically identifies psychosocial characteristics which determine the pregnant woman's ability to make changes. Although applicable to all pregnant women, the author makes a major contribution to the existing smoking cessation literature by analyzing these psychosocial determinants of smoking and cessation in a special group of women utilizing the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC Program). This work also contributes to the scholarly literature on stages of change. Analysis indicates that four of the psychosocial scales--health beliefs, attitudes towards health, self-efficacy, and mental distress -- differed by the stages of change toward smoking cessation. More significantly, this work specifies particular psychosocial characteristics that are of significance depending on the woman's readiness to quit smoking. Dr. Henry has also examined the mental distress variable which has not been previously examined in relation to stages of change. Results from the data presented indicate the role of mental distress level as a barrier to stage progression specifically during the earliest stages of change from precontemplation to contemplation.
