The dangerous health effects of smoking during pregnancy and during the postpartum
period are well-established, yet a significant proportion of pregnant women continue to smoke
despite being aware of the health risks and wanting to quit. While many risks factors for
continued smoking or relapse have been identified, these factors are largely demographic and
difficult to change.
The purpose of the present study was to identify and measure the psychological factors
that predict smoking cessation intentions and behaviours among pregnant women, during
pregnancy and the postpartum period, who are either currently smoking or have recently quit.
Pregnant smokers (N= 56) were asked to complete a series of questionnaires designed to
access their reasoning at the three levels outlined by the Reasons Model and their feelings of
autonomy and competence, and partner support in quitting smoking as indicated by Self-
Determination Theory. Participants were also asked to complete a number of other
questionnaires and a short, semi-structured interview to assess other factors potentially related
to smoking behaviour. Participants were then re-contacted twice after their baby was born, at
approximately two months and four months postpartum. At both times, participants were
asked to again complete the questionnaire package and a short semi-structured interview.
It was hypothesized that Reasons Model and Self-Determination Theory would predict
both current and future intentions to quit smoking, and smoking behaviour, respectively. It
was also hypothesized that those with direct experience with quitting smoking or reducing
their smoking behaviour during pregnancy and postpartum (multigravida) would be more
accurate in predicting their intentions to quit smoking and smoking behaviour than would
those who were pregnant for the first time (primagravida). The results indicated some support
for the ability of the two models to predict intentions to quit and smoking behaviour, though
was limited by the small sample size. Further, level of direct experience emerged as a
significant factor in participants’ ability to predict their intentions and behaviour regarding
smoking. The current study suggests that both the Reasons Model and Self-Determination
Theory are important tools for assessing and developing interventions for helping women to
make positive changes in their smoking behaviour during pregnancy and postpartum.