An investigation into the effects of the Scottish smoking ban

Abstract

Aim. This study examined the effects of the Scottish smoke-free legislation on smokers’ behaviours and attitudes using the transtheoretical model of change (TTM) as a framework. Design and participants. A longitudinal design was employed and data was collected from 127 Scottish smokers prior to the smoking ban introduction (T1), and at three (T2) and six (T3) months after the ban had been implemented. Findings. Results demonstrated that smokers failed to decrease their cigarette consumption when pre and post ban rates were compared. After the introduction of the ban, positive attitudes towards the smokefree legislation increased by 20%. Whilst processes of change were used less frequently in the precontemplation stage, and increased in the contemplation and preparation stage, the results did not support the changes hypothesised by stage classification. Furthermore, no differences in the pros of smoking were observed between the stages. However the cons of smoking were rated as less important by those in the precontemplation stage (F(2,122) = 20.871, p = .001, partial η² = .26). Conclusion. Whilst findings obtained in relation to attitudes towards smoking were promising, results failed to support the theoretical predictions of the TTM and advocate its use as an explanatory framework for behavioural change. In general, findings failed to corroborate the notion of distinct and quantitative stages of change.