Higher stimulus control is associated with less cigarette intake in daily smokers.

Abstract

It is well established that environmental stimuli influence smoking in light, and to a lesser degree, heavy smokers. A two-factor model of dependence suggests that the influence of stimulus control is masked among heavier smokers who primarily smoke for nicotine maintenance. The current study aimed to assess the influence of stimulus control across a range of moderate to heavy daily smokers. Furthermore, as local tobacco control policies may change the role of stimulus control, the study aimed to replicate previous US findings on stimulus control in an Australian setting marked by strong tobacco control policies. In two Ecological Momentary Assessment studies, 420 participants monitored antecedents of smoking and non-smoking situations. In a set of idiographic logistic regression analyses, situational antecedents were used to predict smoking occasions within each individual’s data. Linear regression analysis was used to test for the association between stimulus control and smoking rate, and to test for differences between the two samples. Daily smokers’ smoking was under considerable stimulus control, which was weaker at higher smoking rates. Overall, there was greater stimulus control in the Australian sample. Daily smokers also experience a degree of stimulus control, which is less influential in heavier smokers.

Smoking addiction: the shift from head to hands: Approach bias towards smoking-related cues in low-dependent versus dependent smokers

“…sensitive to others in general), to smoking as a non-negotiable – we might say “intimate” – hand motor habit. Interestingly, though not completely analogous to the present results, Ferguson et al, (2016: 233) found that the smoking behavior of daily smokers was under considerable stimulus control – such as refraining from smoking when prohibited – but this control was weaker at higher smoking rates. In the proposed approach this, then, would indicate that the smoking habit at lower smoking rates is still negotiable in relation to others.…”

Identifying “social smoking” U.S. young adults using an empirically-driven approach

“…Studies on cue reactivity in adult and young adult smokers indicate that non-daily smokers are more highly influenced to smoke by situational contexts, including smoking by others and drinking alcohol, compared to daily smokers (Ferguson, Shiffman, Dunbar, & Schuz, 2016; Shiffman, Dunbar, & Ferguson, 2015; Shiffman et al, 2014; Shiffman, Li, et al, 2015; Thrul, Buhler, & Ferguson, 2014). Bar/club attendance and alcohol use in young adults have also been associated with current smoking (Dietz et al, 2013) and reduced cessation behavior among very light smokers (Jiang & Ling, 2013).…”

Chronic Disease Risk Typologies among Young Adults in Community College

“…Another possible explanation between the 2 classes could include varying environmental stimuli. Past research suggests that dietary behaviors can be influenced through envi-ronmental stimuli -where availability of foods and alcohol 62 and/or observing others eat 62 or smoke 63 can impact behavior. Young adults are likely to be influenced more by their social versus physical environments during this life course stage, because their physical environments may be diverse.…”