Identity Processes in Smokers Who Want to Quit Smoking: A Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Journal article
Meijer, E, Vangeli, E, Gebhardt, W and Van Laar, C (2018). Identity Processes in Smokers Who Want to Quit Smoking: A Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine. 24 (5). https://doi.org/10.1177/1363459318817923
Authors | Meijer, E, Vangeli, E, Gebhardt, W and Van Laar, C |
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Abstract | The importance of identity in smoking cessation is increasingly becoming recognized by researchers. This study is the first in-depth longitudinal qualitative investigation of identity change processes among smokers who intend to quit. Participants' accounts of smoking, attempts to quit and sense of identity were explored over time to examine identity continuity and change. Ten smokers with a quit-intention were interviewed three times, approximately one month apart, and approached for follow-up two years later. Data from 30 in-depth interviews were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. Two themes of identity change processes are presented: 'Identity transition makes it easier to quit' and 'Identity conflict resolution is needed when quitting is unsuccessful or not attempted'. Identity transition toward the identity of nonsmoker appeared to be facilitated by permeable identity boundaries, a continuous sense of identity, and a sense of mastery of quitting. Conflicted smoker identities were observed among participants who continued to smoke, along with barriers that appeared to prevent them from identifying with nonsmoking. Among these participants psychological (e.g., using downward comparisons with worse-off smokers) and behavioral strategies (e.g., hiding smoking from others) were seen that may serve to resolve identity conflict and protect a positive sense of identity. Our findings suggest that transition toward a nonsmoker identity may be necessary for successful quitting. Future research investigating ways to help smokers to perceive themselves increasingly as nonsmokers appears indicated. |
Keywords | 1117 Public Health And Health Services; 1608 Sociology; Public Health |
Year | 2018 |
Journal | Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine |
Journal citation | 24 (5) |
Publisher | Sage |
ISSN | 1461-7196 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/1363459318817923 |
Publication dates | |
12 Dec 2018 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 12 Oct 2018 |
Accepted | 02 Oct 2018 |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/8684z
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Accepted author manuscript
Meijer et al., 2018. Identity processes in smokers accepted in Health.docx | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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