Related Experiment Videos
Individual differences in the context of smoking lapse episodes
S Shiffman1, M Hickcox, J A Paty
1University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. shiffman+@pitt.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|January 14, 1998
Summary
Nicotine dependence influences smoking relapse triggers, with highly dependent smokers experiencing more negative emotions and urges during lapses. Individual traits and context interact, highlighting nicotine dependence
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
- Psychology
Background:
- Smoking relapse research often isolates momentary lapse contexts or stable predictor traits.
- Understanding the interplay between individual differences and situational factors in relapse is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual smoker characteristics and the context of initial smoking lapses.
- To analyze how stable traits influence the triggers and circumstances surrounding the first lapse in real-time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized hand-held computers for near real-time recording of lapse events in 105 smokers.
- Assessed nicotine dependence, negative affect, urges, drinking behavior, coping styles, and smoking history.
Main Results:
- Higher nicotine dependence correlated with lapses under negative affect and intense urges, but not increased smoking in the initial lapse.
- Smokers who lapsed while drinking were less nicotine dependent but had a history of concurrent smoking and drinking.
- Individuals attempting coping but relapsing reported less active coping styles.
Conclusions:
- Individual traits and contextual factors significantly interact in smoking relapse.
- Nicotine dependence plays a key role in modulating the influence of contextual factors during smoking lapses.
- Real-time data collection provides nuanced insights into the dynamics of smoking relapse.