Smoking cessation policy and treatments derived from the protective motivation of smokers: a study on graphic health warning labels

Qiwei Pang, Lu Wang, Jinge Yao, Kum Fai Yuen, Miao Su, Mingjie Fang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is a leading public health risk. Many countries are reducing the demand for tobacco through graphic health warning labels (GHWLs). This study aims to explore smokers’ perceptions of GHWLs and analyze the effect of GHWLs on their behavioral intentions to quit smoking. Methods: A theoretical model is designed by synthesizing protection motivation theory, an extension of the extended parallel process model, and the theory of planned behavior. We collected a cross-sectional sample of 547 anonymous smokers through a stratified random sampling strategy. GHWLs published in 2011 by the US Food and Drug Administration were used in the survey to assess smokers’ responses to them, and then the hypotheses are validated through structural equation models. Results: The results suggest that perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, and health anxiety have a significant impact on smokers’ protection motivation. Furthermore, smokers’ protection motivation directly impacts the behavioral intention to quit smoking and indirectly influences intention to quit through attitudes. Discussion: These findings have practical implications for the implementation and improvement of GHWLs policies. Meanwhile, this study enriches the literature on public health protection measures (i.e., GHWLs) and smokers’ behavioral intention to quit smoking.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1205321
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2023 Pang, Wang, Yao, Yuen, Su and Fang.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Psychology

Keywords

  • graphic health warning labels
  • health anxiety
  • planned behavior
  • protection motivation
  • quit smoking

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