Do expectancies influence behavioral and subjective outcomes of nicotine transdermal patch use?

Expectancies for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are associated with motivation to quit smoking, use of NRT, and self-reported withdrawal symptoms. This study investigated if varying information about the benefits of NRT (e.g., its ability to control negative affect) influenced behavioral and subjective abstinence outcomes during a two-day smoking abstinence period. Smokers (N = 72) were randomly assigned to receive either information emphasizing the benefits of the nicotine patch or standard information about how the patch works and side effects. Participants received placebo patches but were informed that they contained nicotine. In a control group, participants received standard information and were informed that their patches did not contain nicotine. Information about the benefits of the patch produced a greater increase in positive expectancies compared to standard information. Moreover, benefits instructions promoted abstinence by delaying an initial lapse and enhancing positive mood. These results suggest that informing smokers about the beneficial effects of NRT may promote its effectiveness.