Table 1 Overview of methods in computer-tailored messages
Determinant | Method(s) | Examples in ‘Fun without Smokes’ intervention |
|---|---|---|
Knowledge | · Elaboration | How much do you know about smoking? If we have to give you a score you get a 7. That is a really good start! You can read here what you didn’t know yet: |
|  |  |   →smoking is harmful, also when you smoke once in a while |
|  |  |   →smokers have to cough more often to get rid of the toxic substances in their body |
Attitude | · Arguments | You think that you won’t get nauseous if you smoke. But that is not right. When you smoke, there will be less oxygen in your blood. This can make you very nauseous. |
Social influence (norms/modeling) | · Information about others’ approval | Both your mum and dad think you should not smoke. Maybe you don’t want to listen to your parents. But they are right! They will certainly support you not to smoke. Maybe you can arrange a nice present if you decide not to smoke. |
|  | · Stimulate communication’ to mobilize social support |  |
Self-efficacy | · Verbal persuasion/exhortation | If one of your friends offers you a cigarette, it is difficult for you not to smoke. Towards a friend you can say you don’t want to smoke. Keep they pressing you to smoke? Than you start talking about something else. Such as a new movie, a nice computer game or a new television show you recently saw. |
|  | · Planning coping responses |  |
Formation of action plans | · Cue identification to form action plans for difficult situations | It is very smart of you that you don’t want to smoke. But what if something unexpected happens? For instance, you are at a party and it is very sociable. Some of your friends light up a cigarette. And they also offer you one. It is difficult to refuse the cigarette. What would you do? |
| Â | Â | Our tip is to think in advance what you would do in such an unexpected situation. Now imagine for yourself a plan not to smoke. A few examples are: |
| Â | Â | -I make a plan with myself that I will never smoke |
| Â | Â | -I ignore people if they offer me a cigarette. |
| Â | Â | -I will talk about something else. |
|  |  | -I just say ‘no’ if friends offer me a cigarette. |
|  |  | -I keep saying ‘no’ also when friends being obtrusive. |
Intention to change | · Re-evaluation of intention to change behavior | You don’t know if you want to start smoking. However, you want to try a cigarette sometime in the future. Maybe you think this is exciting, but do you think this is wise? After reading this letter you probably think different about smoking. |