Using Positive Psychotherapy to Help Smokers with Mental Illness Quit

Positive Psychotherapy for Smoking Cessation: a Focus on Strengths to Improve Self-efficacy and Enable Successful Quitting Strategies

Not applicable Interventional Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT06632756

This study is testing a new approach called Positive Psychotherapy to help adults with severe mental illness quit smoking and see if it works well for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manchester, New Hampshire)
Trial IDNCT06632756 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to adapt Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) for smoking cessation among adults with severe mental illness (SMI). It will assess the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of the adapted PPT practice through a mixed-methods pilot study. Participants will be recruited from The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester and will engage in a 16-week intervention that includes both individual and group treatment sessions. Progress on smoking cessation will be evaluated through quantitative assessments and qualitative interviews to gather insights on the intervention's effectiveness and participant experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of serious mental illness who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day and wish to quit within the next month.

Not a fit: Patients with active substance use disorders or those requiring a legal guardian may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method for helping individuals with severe mental illness quit smoking, improving their overall health and well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific adaptation of Positive Psychotherapy for smoking cessation in this population is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in addressing smoking cessation among individuals with mental health challenges.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 21+;
* Serious Mental Illness (SMI) diagnosis;
* smoking ≥10 CPD;
* breath CO ≥10;
* desire to quit in the next month;
* willingness to use NRT daily;
* English speaking and literate to engage in the treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* legal guardian;
* active substance use disorder.

Where this trial is running

Manchester, New Hampshire

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mental IllnessTobacco Dependence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.