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Smoking-related prospective memory deficits observed on naturalistic everyday memory task
T M Heffernan1, T S O'Neill1, M Moss1
1Department of Psychology, Collaboration for Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR), Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
|September 12, 2018
Summary
Smokers show objective prospective memory (PM) deficits, recalling fewer everyday tasks compared to non-smokers. This impairment in memory recall is not reflected in self-assessments, suggesting a lack of self-awareness regarding these cognitive changes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Addiction
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Prospective memory (PM) is crucial for daily functioning.
- Smoking is a widespread behavior with known health consequences.
- Potential cognitive impacts of smoking, particularly on PM, are under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate objective and self-reported prospective memory (PM) in smokers versus never-smokers.
- To determine if persistent smoking is associated with deficits in PM processes.
- To explore potential lack of self-awareness regarding PM impairments in smokers.
Main Methods:
- Employed an existing-groups design comparing smokers and a never-smoked control group.
- Utilized the Prospective Memory Questionnaire (PMQ) for self-reported PM.
- Employed the Prospective Remembering Video Procedure (PRVP) for objective PM assessment.
- Controlled for age, alcohol consumption, and strategy use; excluded participants with substance use or clinical conditions.
Main Results:
- Smokers recalled significantly fewer location-action combinations on the PRVP compared to never-smokers.
- No significant differences were found between groups on self-reported PM (PMQ).
- Objective PM deficits in smokers remained significant after controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Persistent smoking is associated with objective prospective memory deficits.
- These PM impairments are not explained by other substance use, mood, or cognitive strategies.
- Smokers may lack self-awareness of their objective PM deficits.
- The study utilized a naturalistic objective measure and strict controls, advancing research in this area.
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