Attributional Shifts in Smokers as a Consequence of Clinical Classification

Abstract

Twenty female smokers were interviewed on two occasions. At the first interview their consumption was estimated using a retrospective diary technique, and they were asked to rate a number of attributions in terms of their applicability for their present smoking. On the basis of their consumption they were then divided into two groups, a “heavy” smoking group and a “light” smoking group. Their consumption classification was made clear to subjects prior to, and during the second interview, which took place five to seven weeks later. At the second interview subjects were asked to rate the same explanations for their smoking, as well as to respond to other items. While there were no significant differences in the attributional ratings of the two groups at the first interview, there were significant differences in the “heavy” and “light” groups' ratings of the “addiction” attribution in the second interview, during which they were aware of their classification. These differences were significant in terms of both the subjects' ratings of the “addiction” attribution, and in the derived dimensional scores obtained from all the attributional items. The finding that being aware of consumption classification can affect attributions for addictive behavior may have clinical implications.