Development and Implementation of an Online Psychological Support Program for Tobacco Users

Tobacco addiction is not only a behavioral challenge but also a neurobiological and psychosocial condition requiring tailored interventions beyond simple awareness efforts. Digital interventions-particularly those grounded in psychological theory and structured learning-have shown growing promise in addressing addictive behaviors in accessible and scalable formats. The TÜBSİS Programme was developed as a structured psychoeducational tool incorporating principles of mindfulness and behavior change, aiming to strengthen psychological resources such as self-regulation, motivation, and resilience in tobacco users. While the program was digitally delivered, its design emphasized individual reflection, staged goal-setting, and emotional regulation skills to facilitate both cognitive and behavioral disengagement from tobacco use. Each module of TÜBSİS was designed to align with the core constructs of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), such as risk perception, action self-efficacy, planning, and maintenance self-efficacy. Participants were guided through these constructs in a phased format, enabling a personalized change trajectory based on their psychological readiness and behavioral intentions. In addition to the behavior change model, mindfulness strategies were embedded throughout the program, including attentional control exercises, present-moment awareness tasks, and cognitive reframing components. These were introduced progressively across modules to avoid cognitive overload and to allow integration into daily life routines. Assessments used in this study were not only intended to track behavioral change but also to understand the interplay between tobacco dependence and psychological well-being. The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale and the Fagerström Test provided quantitative indices of mental health status and addiction severity, allowing for multidimensional evaluation. Given the asynchronous format, the study emphasized user engagement and retention. Platform analytics and module completion rates were monitored to interpret efficacy within the context of adherence.