Vaping identity in adolescent e-cigarette users: A comparison of norms, attitudes, and behaviors

Using the tenets underlying social identity theory and the theory of planned behavior, the current study compared the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of e-cigarette users that reported vaping as self-defining ("vapers") compared to users that denied vaping was central to their identity ("non-vapers").

Secondary analyses of data from the 2017-2018 California Student Tobacco Survey were utilized. A weighted, multivariable regression model (N = 82,217) compared the demographic characteristics, beliefs, and behaviors of vapers and non-vapers. A path analytic model examined whether norms and attitudes mediated the relationship between vaper identity and use behavior.

Self-identified sexual and/or gender minority youth were more likely to identify as vapers compared to heterosexual and cisgender respondents. Youth that identified as vapers viewed e-cigarette use as more normative, held more favorable attitudes (i.e., lower harm beliefs), used e-cigarettes more frequently and in greater quantities, were more likely to use fruit and mint flavored e-cigarettes, and were more likely to acquire e-cigarettes from commercial sellers (i.e., vape/tobacco shops; all p < 0.05). Additionally, descriptive norms and attitudes mediated the relationship between vaper identity and use frequency/quantity.

Differences in e-cigarette beliefs and behaviors were found for youth e-cigarette users that perceived vaping as self-defining versus those that did not view vaping as part of their self-concept. Future studies are needed to examine causal directionality between identity, norms, attitudes, and behavior. Tobacco control efforts might use these findings to further denormalize vaping using evidence-based media campaigns and policy implementation.