Social Factors in Quitting Smoking
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 08:38amA study came out today that notes people tend to quit smoking in groups, and that quitting tends to have a ripple effect across other groups. This isn’t news to me, but it’s interesting in terms of developing new therapies to help people quit. I know that if Maggie and Jeremy hadn’t quit smoking, I probably wouldn’t have been able to, either. And then my parents quit right after I did, and the fact that we all quit at the same time really helped.
I believe this study is by the same people that told us last year that people tend to gain and lose weight in groups as well. It seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?
Grey Rainbow on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:15 am
at my work, we have a “biggest loser” group of about 7 women. they have a weigh in once a week and if you gain weight you have to pay $5….and i think after 12 weeks whoever loses the most weight wins all.
seems to be working b/c when we have hostage lunches, these girls are breaking out their salads and healthy alternatives….so, yes the group thing seems to work!
Michael on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:43 am
My sister is starting one of those Biggest Loser groups at her work next week, Grey Rainbow. I’m interested to see how it goes for her. I wonder if it’s the competition or the camaraderie? Both probably.
Maggie on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:52 am
And we quit because we got some motivation from friends who quit, too.
I think it’s more the camaraderie. Misery loves company! When you can share the hard parts, they’re easier to take. Unless, of course, you’re surrounded by enablers. Jeremy and I are having a hard time bonding together over eating better and losing weight because we enable each other.
Nicci J on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:07 am
Now I’m sad. I really need to quit again. We did so well last time, weight gain aside.
Maggie on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:32 am
You can do it!
freakgirl on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 11:10 am
Of course you can do it, Nicci!
Nicci J on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I’ll rub against ya’ll in July, see if any resolve wear off
Jill a.k.a Nerdy Bird on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Unfortunately from what I’ve noticed, the ripple works in reverse too. A bunch of my boyfriends friends quit smoking along with him. Then a few more quit. But once one of them started back up again the rest followed soon after. It’s a shame,