Subtypes within a sample of precontemplating smokers: a preliminary extension of the stages of change.

Precontemplating smokers are not planning to quit within the next 6 months. There are indications that this group is not homogeneous. The present investigation aimed at identifying relevant subgroups within this large group of smokers in order to refine stage-matched interventions. Precontemplators were asked whether they were planning to quit (1) within the next year. (2) within the next 5 years, (3) not within the next 5 years but sometime, (4) never, or (5) none of the above. Smokers who were planning to quit within 5 years (redefined precontemplators) differed from smokers who were not planning to quit within the next 5 years (immotives) on the pros of quitting but not on self-efficacy scores. Compared to smokers in the other groups, immotives scored significantly lower on specific factors within the pros of quitting.