The Psychodynamics of Quitting Smoking in a Group
JOHN S. TAMERIN M.D.1
1 Director of Research, Silver Hill Foundation, Valley Rd., New Canaan, Conn. 06840
The psychodynamics of quitting smoking were identified from observations of small groups established to study the cessation process. Three major issues emerged: 1) the expectation of failure, 2) the feared loss of control, and 3) the affective significance of the loss. Belief in success was a necessary precursor to actual success. A feared loss of control was common but seldom materialized to the degree anticipated. The dynamics of grief with associated tearfulness were central to the process of quitting.
