The relationship between aversion, group training and vomiting in the reduction of smoking behavior.

The effectiveness of strong aversion joined with various group training procedures was compared with strong aversion and mild aversion treatments in the reduction of smoking behavior. Fifty-two male and female smokers were assigned to strong aversion plus self-control group, strong aversion plus temptation-control group, strong aversion and mild aversion groups. In addition, the effect of vomiting during the aversive training was related to follow-up cigarette consumption rates. In general, these data suggest that strong aversion alone is as effective as a combination of strong aversion plus self-control training. Vomiting during treatment appears to be related to lowered cigarette consumption.