Development of Positive Psychotherapy for Smoking Cessation

Development of Positive Psychotherapy for Smoking Cessation

The primary objective of this study is to test a manualized adaptation of positive psychotherapy (PPT) for smoking cessation (PPT-S). The investigators will conduct a preliminary randomized clinical trial (N = 80) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of PPT-S over 26 weeks of follow up in comparison to a standard smoking cessation treatment. Both treatments will be delivered in individual 6 sessions over 6 weeks, and will include provision of transdermal nicotine patch. The effect size estimates from this Stage 1b research will provide the foundation for a future application to conduct a large-scale, Stage II, randomized clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day for longer than one year with no other ongoing tobacco product use
• willing to use the transdermal nicotine patch
• report at least a 5 on a 0 to 10 scale rating the importance of quitting smoking.

Exclusion Criteria:

• are currently experiencing psychotic symptoms, affective disorder (major depression, dysthymia, or mania) or substance use disorder (other than nicotine dependence)
• taking prescribed psychotropic medication or receiving other forms of psychotherapy
• concomitantly using other pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation
• have any contraindications for use of the transdermal nicotine patch.