Trait Impulsivity, cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use

Although there is considerable evidence of an association between impulsivity and cigarette smoking, the magnitude of this association varies greatly across studies. On the other hand, research on the relationship between trait impulsivity and e-cigarette use is limited, and the available results also provide mixed findings. This thesis aimed to understand the relationship between trait impulsivity, cigarette smoking, and e-cigarette use. It also examines the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation as there is great controversy over the efficacy of e-cigarette use as a smoking cessation tool. A systematic review of the literature identified that cigarette smokers are more impulsive than non smokers, while emotion-based impulsivity is the impulsivity-related trait most associated with nicotine dependence. A study of 720 mainly European adults found different relationships between specific impulsivity-related traits and different classes of smoking status, suggesting that lack of perseverance differentiated e-cigarette users from cigarette smokers, and emotion-based impulsivity differentiated e-cigarette users from dual users (those who smoke a cigarette and use an e-cigarette). Additionally, it was found that trait impulsivity is related to e-cigarette use through positive e-cigarette attitudes. An Ecological Momentary Assessment study further showed that emotion-based impulsivity is a significant predictor of real-time cravings and real-time moods in cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users and dual users. The final study of the thesis assessed the role of e-cigarettes and trait impulsivity in smoking cessation. Findings suggest that e-cigarette use could potential be a useful tool in helping cigarette smokers to quit smoking. These findings help to further understand the role of trait impulsivity in cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, and the relationship between cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use.