Comparative Analysis of Alternate Measures of Readiness to Quit Smoking: Stages of Change and the Contemplation Ladder.

Purpose: Two methods of operationalizing readiness to quit smoking have been used extensively in prior research. An algorithm derived from the transtheoretical model classifies current smokers in distinct stages of precontemplation (not intending to quit in next 6 months), contemplation (serious intent to quit within 6 months), and preparation (serious intent to quit within 30 days). The Contemplation Ladder (CL) is a single-item continuous (0-10) rating.