Symbolic Self Completion As A Mediator Between Nicotine Dependence And Quit Intention: Evidence From A Nationally Representative Survey

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between nicotine dependence and quit intentions, and the degree to which symbolic completion of the self through smoking mediates this relationship. This study adopted a cross-sectional methodology using a population-based sample of cigarette smokers residing in Turkey. A survey was designed to measure nicotine dependence (using the heaviness of smoking index), intention to quit smoking, and the absence of symbolic self-completion. Mediation analysis was conducted using the Hayes model #4 to investigate the degree to which self-symbolizing smoking is implicated in the association between dependence and quit intention. Based on results, nicotine dependence is found to decrease the intention to quit (coefficient=-0,0198; p-value<0,000), while an absence of symbolic self-completion is found to increase quit intentions (coefficient=0,6118; p-value<0,000). Symbolic self-completion is found to be a significant (partial) mediator between dependence and quit intentions. Also, dependence is found to increase the symbolic attachment. The overall conclusion is that smoking is an activity that is publicly noticeable, thereby serving as a symbol of the self. The symbolic power of smoking should be considered along with physical dependence as one of the major barriers to quit smoking.