Symbolic self completion as mediator between nicotine dependence and quit intention: a nationally representative survey

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. Symbolic self-completion theory assumes that a person seeks to display symbols in relation to how society would respond. A survey was conducted among a population-based sample of smokers in Turkiye to measure nicotine dependence, intention to quit, and the absence of symbolic self-completion. Mediation analysis was conducted using the Hayes model #4 to investigate the degree to which (symbolic) smoking was linked to dependence and quit intention. Based on regression analyses, nicotine dependence was found to decrease the intention to quit (coeff = −.039**), while an absence of symbolic self-completion was found to increase quit intention (coeff = .6118**). Symbolic self-completion was found to be a significant (partial) mediator between dependence and quit intentions. Although the regression approach is utilized in the analysis, this study still relies on cross-sectional data, so further inquiry is needed to establish casual relationships. Smoking is an activity that is publicly noticeable, thereby serving as a symbol of the self within a socio-cultural context. The symbolic power of smoking should be considered along with physical dependence.

本研究旨在探讨尼古丁依赖与戒烟意向之间的关联，以及通过吸烟实现自我象征性完成对该关联的中介效应程度。象征性自我完成理论（Symbolic Self-Completion Theory）假定，个体将依据社会的预期回应来展示相关符号。本研究针对土耳其人群中的吸烟者开展了一项抽样调查，用以测量尼古丁依赖、戒烟意向以及象征性自我完成缺失程度。本研究采用Hayes模型#4开展中介分析，以探究（象征性）吸烟与依赖、戒烟意向之间的关联强度。回归分析结果显示，尼古丁依赖会降低戒烟意向（回归系数=-0.039**），而象征性自我完成缺失则会提升戒烟意向（回归系数=0.6118**）。研究证实，象征性自我完成在尼古丁依赖与戒烟意向之间发挥了显著的（部分）中介作用。尽管本研究采用了回归分析方法，但由于仅依赖横截面数据（cross-sectional data），仍需开展进一步研究以确立因果关系。吸烟是一种可被公众观察到的行为，因此在社会文化语境中可作为自我的象征符号。吸烟的象征力量应当与躯体依赖一并纳入考量。