The studies in this dissertation examined 1) how different identities that are relevant to smoking affect smoking behavior; 2) how identity changes over time in smokers and ex-smokers, both... Show moreThe studies in this dissertation examined 1) how different identities that are relevant to smoking affect smoking behavior; 2) how identity changes over time in smokers and ex-smokers, both spontaneously and in response to an intervention, and what factors affect identity change; and 3) whether associations between identity and smoking-related outcomes - as well as identity change processes - differ between people with lower and higher socio-economic status. A multi-method approach was employed, including cross-sectional and longitudinal studies; observational and experimental studies, and using quantitative and qualitative methods. First, results showed that nonsmoker and quitter identities are more important than smoker identities for intentions to quit, quit attempts, (long-term) quit success and responses to the Dutch smoking ban in hospitality venues. In addition, self-identities seemed more important than group-identities. Second, identity changes in response to smoking behavior and social norms, and identity change is facilitated by permeable identity boundaries, a continuous sense of self, and a sense of mastery of quitting. Third, lower SES smokers and ex-smokers identify more strongly with smoking - and lower SES smokers identify less strongly with nonsmoking - than their higher SES counterparts, and in lower SES groups identity is more resistant to change. Show less
