Occupational Transition of Smoking Cessation in Women: More than Just Butting Out

Abstract

This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the question, How do women cigarette smokers experience and perceive their occupational transition from smoker to non-smoker? The sample consisted of seven women, aged 35-55, living in New Brunswick, Canada, who quit smoking for at least twelve months, but no longer than 24 months. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews. The occupation of smoking was shown to be a valued and meaningful occupation with both positive and negative aspects that influenced the occupational transition process. The occupational transition of smoking cessation was described as a cyclical journey that required building skills and occupational competence, not only to support occupational adaptation and engagement in meaningful occupations, but also to overcome barriers and occupational losses throughout the transition process. This also fostered the occupational identity of non-smoker, by allowing the women to become and express the self they wanted to be.