Sensory Deprivation Used In the Reduction of Cigarette Smoking: Attitude Change Experiments In an Applied Context1

A series of three studies has investigated the effects of sensory deprivation on persuasibility. Cigarette smoking was used as the target of the persuasive messages. The technique appears to have a degree of success in bringing about smoking cessation or reduction for several months after a 24-hr. sensory deprivation session. Implications for attitude experimentation and for the application of research findings are discussed.