What really causes change in smokers? Some reflections
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v21i2.10122Keywords:
Smoking Cessation Habits, Nicotine Dependence, Motivational Interviewing, Counseling, Stages of Change, Processes of ChangeAbstract
Based on a personal experience, the text presents ten reflections about clinical practice in smoking cessation. 1. We start by addressing the complexity and importance of this issue. 2. Then, the power of the nicotine dependence is raised, nourished by a self-medication process, and by social-demographic determinants. 3. We discuss how the smoker can maintain his internal sense of coherence, when he is involved in a self-destructive behaviour. 4. Persuasive counseling is criticized, and empathy and person centered processes are emphasized. 5. The importance of self-efficacy and self-transcendence in the change consolidation is underlined. 6. Decision-making is characterized as a process dominated by ambivalence and freedom of choice. 7. Motivation is defined as a phenomenon depending on personal competencies and his existential meaning. 8. The importance of verbal interactions in the movement of personal change is highlighted. 9. The principal components of smoking cessation programs are presented, as well as some of their main management difficulties. 10. At last, we stress the pertinence of using several techniques and complementary strategies in the smokers treatment.Downloads
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.
The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.
