An examination of smoking outcome expectancies, smoking motives and trait worry in a sample of treatment-seeking smokers

The present study examined the role of trait worry in predicting smoking-based cognitive processes (motives, expectancies, and beliefs about quitting) in a sample of 286 treatment-seeking, daily smokers (43.7% female; Mage = 37.25; SD = 12.83). Consistent with prediction, trait worry was significantly and uniquely associated with smoking outcome expectancies and motives pertaining to negative affect reduction after controlling for other relevant variables such as negative affectivity, gender, smoking rate and tobacco-related disease. Trait worry also was significantly independently related to greater perceived barriers to quitting smoking. The significant effects remained consistent when adjusted for axis I psychopathology. These findings provide initial evidence of the theoretical and clinical importance of trait worry with regard to tobacco-related motives, outcome expectancies, and beliefs about quitting smoking.

► This study examined the role of worry in predicting smoking-based cognitive processes. ► Trait worry predicted negative affect reduction smoking motives. ► Trait worry predicted negative affect reduction outcome expectancies. ► Trait worry is related to greater perceived barriers to quitting smoking.