Uncontrolled vaping and restraint strategies: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Public Health
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Uncontrolled vaping, defined as vaping beyond preferred levels, is not well understood.
• E-cigarette users employ various strategies to manage their vaping behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore e-cigarette users' experiences with uncontrolled vaping.
• To identify and understand the self-restraint strategies used by e-cigarette users.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 24 adult e-cigarette users in the US.
• Analyzed interview data on uncontrolled vaping and restraint strategies using the Process Model of Self-Control.

Main Results:

• Most participants (21/24) reported experiences of uncontrolled vaping, often with ambivalence.
• Willpower was rarely used and perceived as ineffective for vaping restraint.
• Effective strategies included distraction, reappraisal (e.g., health reminders), situation selection, and situation modification.

Conclusions:

• Uncontrolled vaping is a complex phenomenon for many users.
• Proactive situational strategies are perceived as more effective than reactive ones for vaping restraint.
• Tobacco control interventions should incorporate naturally used and effective restraint strategies.