Date of Award
Fall 1984
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Fehring, Richard J.
Second Advisor
Stollenwerk, Ruth M.
Third Advisor
Brennan, Patti
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between group cohesiveness and cessation and diminution of smoking, in smoking cessation workshop participants. Subjects for this descriptive correlational study were selected through convenience sampling by their participation in an American Lung Association of Wisconsin smoking cessation workshop at two midwestern institutions. The sample consisted of 39 subjects, 19 men and 20 women between the ages of 20 and 70 who self-selected into one of four groups. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) There will be a significant positive correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesiveness and smoking cessation. (2) There will be a significant positive correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesiveness and smoking diminution. Each workshop consisted of six, two- hour sessions over a span of four weeks. Following the usual procedures for approval and informed consent the study began with the procedure being identical for all four workshop groups. At the beginning of each session participants privately reported self-monitored data to the leader regarding their success or failure of smoking cessation, by stating the number of cigarettes smoked in the twenty-four hours preceeding each workshop session. This information was also shared verbally by the participant within the group followed by group applause for progress and effort during the course of each workshop session. During the sixth (final) workshop session participants completed a demographic sheet, the Group Environment Scale (GES) and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior Scale. Smoking cessation was defined as complete abstinence from smoking for a minimum of 48 hours. Group Cohesiveness scores were the sum of one component from the GES and FIR0-8 each. To test whether there was a correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesiveness and smoking cessation, a Point biserial correlation was performed and found to be significant at the 0.05 level (r=0.334, T=2.09). Therefore, the hypothesis that there will be a significant positive correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesiveness and smoking cessation was supported. To test whether there was a correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesi~eness and smoking diminution, a Pearson product moment correlation revealed no significant correlation between group cohesiveness and smoking diminution (r=0.1617, p=0 . 177) . Therefore, the hypothesis that there will be a significant positive correlation between individuals' perception of group cohesiveness and smoking diminution was not supported.
Recommended Citation
Geiger, Michele J., "A correlational Study of Group Cohesiveness and Smoking Cessation" (1984). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3142.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3142