Standardized, individualized, interactive, and personalized self-help programs for smoking cessation.

756 smokers were randomly assigned by stage of change to (1) standardized self-help manuals (ALA+ condition), (2) individualized manuals matched to stage (TTT condition), (3) interactive expert-system computer reports plus individualized manuals (ITT condition), or (4) a personalized condition with 4 counselor calls, stage manuals, and computer reports. Over 18 mo, the ITT group's results more than doubled those of the ALA+ group on abstinence measures. The ALA+ and TTT conditions were equivalent over 12 mo, but at 18 mo the TTT condition was more effective. The ITT condition was the best or comparable with the best treatment at all follow-ups for smokers at all stages of change. Results suggest that an effective expert system has been developed, and discussion focuses on delivering this system to entire populations of smokers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)