Exploring the Motivational Dimensions of Smoking Cessation Among Long-Term Smokers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the motivational dimensions of smoking cessation among individuals with long-term smoking histories using a qualitative approach. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Twenty-two participants with at least ten years of smoking experience were purposefully selected from Tehran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was reached. NVivo 12 software was used for data analysis. Data analysis revealed three main themes: "internal motivations," "interpersonal and social factors," and "situational triggers." The first theme included subthemes such as health improvement, self-esteem, and self-awareness. The second involved family pressure, modeling others’ success, and social responsibility. The third theme referred to life transitions like personal crises, lifestyle changes, and spiritual experiences. Participants described a multidimensional motivational process combining internal, relational, and contextual factors. Smoking cessation among long-term smokers is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and situational motivations. Understanding these dimensions can inform more holistic and personalized interventions to support sustained cessation in chronic smokers.