Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
10:44
Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
12.0K
Examining self-perceptions between college students who do and do not vape: an online cross-sectional study
Kianna M Arthur1, Lydia Needy1, Morgan G Peace1
1Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
Journal of Health Psychology
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Young adults who vape reported higher self-esteem and were more likely to have a concealable stigmatized identity (CSI). Social connection, not alienation, appears to be a key motivator for vaping.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Vaping among young adults is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding the psychological factors associated with vaping is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous assumptions suggested negative self-perceptions might be linked to vape use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vaping and self-esteem, self-alienation, and concealable stigmatized identity (CSI) in young adults.
- To explore motivations behind vape use, particularly among those who vape.
Main Methods:
- An online cross-sectional study surveyed 378 undergraduate students.
- Participants completed measures of self-esteem, self-alienation, and CSI status.
- Vape users provided vape-specific data and qualitative descriptions of their use, which underwent thematic coding.
Main Results:
- Contrary to hypotheses, individuals who vape reported higher self-esteem.
- Vapers showed marginally lower levels of self-alienation compared to non-vapers.
- Vapers were more likely to report having a CSI.
Conclusions:
- Vaping in young adults may be associated with social factors and identity rather than low self-esteem or high self-alienation.
- Social connection and belonging appear to be primary drivers for initiating and maintaining vape use.
- Future interventions should consider addressing identity and social dynamics to support vaping cessation efforts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stimulants
809
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
809
01:50Cross-Sectional Research
12.3K
In cross-sectional research, a researcher compares multiple segments of the population at the same time. If they were interested in people's dietary habits, the researcher might directly compare different groups of people by age. Instead of following a group of people for 20 years to see how their dietary habits changed from decade to decade, the researcher would study a group of 20-year-old individuals and compare them to a group of 30-year-old individuals and a group of 40-year-old...
12.3K
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
434
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
434
01:11Observational Studies
10.7K
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
10.7K
02:16Surveys
16.6K
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
16.6K
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
55.3K
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
55.3K