Psychosocial predictors of consumption of sweets following smoking cessation

The use of a theoretical model to predict consumption of sweet‐tasting high‐calorie foods following smoking cessation was investigated. The model included eight predictors: habit, intention, attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, perceived barriers, social support, and smoking cessation. One hundred and fourteen individuals completed pre‐ and postquestionnaires and made pre‐ and postsnack choices at smoking cessation programs. Pretest consumption of sweets (habit), pretest intention to avoid eating sweets, and posttest smoking status explained 42% of posttest consumption of sweets. Ex‐smokers reported eating more sweets and chose more sweet snacks than did subjects who continued to smoke. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.